After one exhibition, Sixers could lose Ariel Hukporti to season-ending injury

Key Points:

• Sixers center Ariel Hukporti suffered a likely season-ending Achilles injury just minutes into Monday's preseason opener, confirmed by head coach Nick Nurse, with imaging scheduled to determine the severity.
• Hukporti had been competing for the backup center role behind Joel Embiid, especially with Adem Bona sidelined due to a foot sprain, and was well-liked by teammates for his personality and work ethic.
• The injury leaves the Sixers thin at the backup center position, with Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow as potential small-ball options and the team considering filling a two-way contract spot with a big man, possibly Tacko Fall.
• Hukporti's $3.4 million salary and expiring contract may make him a trade candidate if the injury is confirmed season-ending, though the team could apply for a Disabled Player Exception to mitigate roster impacts.
• Walker showed promise in the preseason opener with a double-double and improved shooting confidence, potentially stepping up to help address the Sixers' depth concerns at center.