LeBron James to miss Sixers' game vs. Bucks to manage back issue, sciatica

Gina Mizell, The Philadelphia Inquirer on Oct 24, 2026

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PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James will miss the Philadelphia 76ers’ Saturday home game against the Milwaukee Bucks to manage his lower back and sciatica, according to the NBA’s injury report.

James was listed as questionable entering Saturday. At 41 years old, the all-time great is not expected to play both games of back-to-backs this season. The Sixers also host the Detroit Pistons Sunday night.

Joel Embiid, who said Thursday that he will only play in one of this weekend’s games because of similar health management, is not listed on Saturday’s injury report. That suggests the former MVP will miss Sunday’s game, though injury reports can be altered up to 30 minutes before tipoff.

James’ Sixers tenure is off to a strong start. He totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals in their dramatic comeback over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Thursday’s home opener. He had 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday’s season-opening victory at the defending-champion New York Knicks.