What happened: Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of Monday's preseason opener against the New York Knicks. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed the rupture, and the team said he will undergo surgery. The 24-year-old signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal with Philadelphia this offseason after playing for the Knicks' 2025-26 championship team.

Why it matters: The loss thins Philadelphia's center rotation entering the 2026-27 season and forces a roster decision with limited flexibility. The Sixers are eligible to apply for a $1.7 million disabled player exception but sit only $1.8 million below the first apron. Former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns helped Hukporti off the court, while Jalen Brunson and Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed support after the 120-97 exhibition.

What to watch: Watch for surgery timing and whether Philadelphia files for the exception. Adding another big would require waiving a player or making a trade.