76ers HC Shares Update on Ariel Hukporti’s Potential Achilles Tear vs. Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers took on the New York Knicks in their preseason opener on Monday. For former Knicks player Ariel Hukporti, it was a meaningful game, as he had the opportunity to take on his old team, with whom he won the 2025-26 championship earlier in June.

Unfortunately for Hukporti, he didn't spend too much time on the hardwood against his former teammates. Just a few minutes into the first quarter, the big man suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury and left the arena on crutches and in a walking boot. It was initially labeled as either a right ankle or calf injury.

However, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said that the team intends to have his Achilles checked for a potential tear.

"They’re going to do the imaging tomorrow," Nurse said (in a clip shared by NBA insider Dave McMenamin on X). "Right Achilles they are going to look at."

If the results turn out to be dire, this wouldn't be the first time Hukporti has suffered an Achilles tear. Back in 2022, the big man ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left leg while playing for Melbourne United in the NBL. It was because of that injury that his path to the NBA Draft was delayed.

"Definitely heartbreaking," Jalen Brunson said about the injury (via the NY Post). "When I came back in the locker room, I went to go check on him. Sad to see. Obviously, we’ll pray for him."

As of now, all 76ers fans can do is pray and hope for the best, especially since the team showed promising signs in its preseason opener.

76ers Destroy Knicks in Preseason Opener

On Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers were put to the test as they took on the defending champions, the New York Knicks. All the stars that helped the Knicks win the 2026 NBA championship in June were present in Monday's game, and yet, somehow, they found themselves losing to the 76ers.

Philly claimed a huge 120-97 victory. Among the Sixers' star players, only Jaylen Brown played. Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Tyrese Maxey all sat out of Monday's game.

In nearly 17 minutes of play, Brown proved to be more than ready to help the 76ers contend for a championship this coming season. Brown put up 22 points, two assists, two rebounds, and one block, while shooting an efficient 61.5% from the field.

Philly's rising star, VJ Edgecombe, also showed promise playing next to Brown. Edgecombe had an all-around game, adding 12 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.

With the Knicks losing to a 76ers team that only had one star player, it now has everyone intrigued about what Philly would look like if they were at full force.