You know that Philadelphia 76ers season is back when you're unsure about multiple players' availability ahead of the game.
The Sixers are going into opening night against the New York Knicks with quite a few names on the injury report. The newly added Anfernee Simons is one of them, and he's already playing games with the messaging about his availability.
Will the veteran guard suit up and finally make his public debut with the team against the Knicks?
Before the Sixers released their official injury report, Simons told reporters that he couldn't confirm or deny his playing availability. Hours later, the Sixers placed him on the injury report as questionable due to hamstring tightness/soreness.
For what it's worth, Simons told everybody that he feels "good," as he's been taking his recovery "day by day." Since the Sixers are keeping his status under wraps, the messaging isn't really worth much at this time. Maybe the 76ers see it as an advantage to keep the Knicks guessing.
In all reality, it doesn't make a difference. Nobody has seen Simons play for the 76ers yet. He missed the team's team's public scrimmage, and was ruled out for the entire four-game preseason stretch. Simons is one of several Sixers expected to play a key rotational role, but is entering his first run with the team. The new-look squad should be full of surprises for the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. If anything, seeing Simons play on Tuesday night would offer more of a surprise element than sitting out.
What about the rest of the injury report?
Simons isn't the only questionable player on the injury report for Tuesday's action. The Sixers have the veteran center Adem Bona listed due to a foot sprain. It's been a common issue for Bona, who missed most of training camp and sat out for the entire preseason. He seemed to be truly unsure about his status in the days leading up to the opener.
Dean Wade is the latest Sixer to pop up on the injury report. During the 76ers' preseason finale against the Boston Celtics, Wade injured his ankle. The 76ers didn't seem too concerned after the loss against Boston, but it seems that the setback is a little more serious than the team initially anticipated. Wade was officially diagnosed with a sprain and hasn't been practicing. His availability could come down to a game-time decision. The Sixers could end up pushing two debuts back already.
Add us as a preferred source on Google