LeBron James posts 17/10/5/3/1 line vs. Cavaliers

After scoring eight points in a poor showing against the Cavaliers on Friday, James benefited from facing one of the NBA’s worst defenses on Sunday. The 41-year-old forward shot well and finished with his second game with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists this season. The 76ers play three games next week with no back-to-backs, which should help James get his rest.

With Jarrett Allen (knee) out, many fantasy managers may have expected a big night from Embiid. He didn’t come through, to say the least. Embiid missed all nine of his shots from the field, with six free throws separating him from a scoreless night. The rebounds and blocks were decent, but this was a night to forget for Embiid and those rostering him. But he wasn’t alone, as LeBron James (8/7/3/2/1) shot 3-of-12 from the field and committed six turnovers. They’ll look to bounce back on Sunday against the Bulls.

Bona’s absence could lead to some extra playing time for Jabari Walker behind Joel Embiid, though LeBron James could also log some minutes as backup center in small-ball lineups.

Bona is dealing with a cervical spine sprain that could keep him out against Cleveland. Jabari Walker could return to the rotation as the backup center, though this could also mean LeBron James spends some time at the five again.

Embiid will play after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Hornets. With LeBron also available, Dean Wade and Adem Bona will come off the bench after starting on Saturday.

LeBron is back after missing Saturday’s win over the Hornets, the second game of a back-to-back. Who he pushes to the bench may depend on Joel Embiid (foot), who is questionable. If Embiid can play, Dean Wade would head to the bench. If Embiid can’t play, the 76ers could go without a true center, starting LeBron and Wade together, with Adem Bona on the bench.

James posted as 20/9/8 line in Friday’s win over the Knicks, but he’ll sit out Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back. At age-41, LeBron isn’t going to play every night, but fantasy managers knew that going into the season.

James made one of the game’s biggest plays, tipping in a Tyrese Maxey miss with 11.9 seconds remaining to extend the 76ers’ lead to five. That would be the final margin as Philadelphia moved to 5-1, and LeBron finished one rebound and two assists shy of a triple-double. At this stage in his career, the days of LeBron consistently providing robust stat lines are likely over. But he remains a valuable fantasy basketball player.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Bucks, James played 33 minutes on Sunday. Some of those minutes came at center, as the 76ers did not have Joel Embiid. James had a decent night, but he wasn’t as impactful as many fantasy managers likely hoped in the 76ers’ final game of Week 1.

The 76ers won’t have VJ Edgecombe or Joel Embiid for Sunday’s game, resulting in two changes to the starting lineup. Caldwell-Pope will replace Edgecombe, marking his first start of the season. The other change is James, who returns after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Bucks. He’ll fill the void left by Embiid.