LeBron, Embiid, Maxey sit out 76ers preseason opener

LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will miss the Philadelphia 76ers’ preseason opener against the New York Knicks, with Anfernee Simons and several other players also listed as unavailable by some reports. Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe are the only projected regular starters expected to play. James has said he wants preseason minutes to build rhythm with his teammates while avoiding overexertion; one report cited chronic arthritis in his left foot and lower-back sciatica as possible factors in his absence. The Sixers will have further preseason games to prepare their roster for the season.