LeBron James will sit out Saturday night’s game against the Bucks to manage low back pain and sciatica, the 76ers announced.
It’s the start of Philadelphia’s first back-to-back, with the Detroit Pistons coming to town on Sunday as well.
James missed the first 14 games of last season with sciatica, an irritation of the nerve that runs through the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, lower leg and foot.
The 41-year-old has not said publicly that he’s had any flare-ups this season, and as the injury designation suggests, this looks like management of an old problem over a long year for the NBA’s oldest player.
He’s been productive so far. After two games, James is averaging 15.5 points and leads the 76ers in rebounds (9.5) and assists (6.0) per game, per ESPN.
Forward Dean Wade, who still hasn’t made his Sixers debut as he nurses a left ankle sprain, remains questionable.
James made his debut with the 76ers on October 20, putting up 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks.
