Hukporti’s Achilles Tear Ends His Season

Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti tore his right Achilles tendon in a non-contact injury five minutes into the team’s preseason opener against the New York Knicks, a 120-97 Philadelphia win. He will undergo surgery, and the injury will end his season. Hukporti had signed a one-year deal after winning a championship with the Knicks and was expected to provide backup minutes behind Joel Embiid. His absence leaves Philadelphia short on center depth as it manages Embiid’s availability; Adem Bona is recovering from a foot injury, and Tacko Fall is sidelined with a hip issue. The Sixers’ first-apron restrictions could make signing a replacement difficult without another roster or financial move.