Sports

Dean Wade Out for Season Opener vs. Knicks Due to Ankle Injury

By Noah Rubin

Dean Wade will miss the season opener against the New York Knicks because of an ankle injury. Wade has been working on the injury and was deemed unfit to play after an individual workout before Tuesday’s game. He was limited to individual work in Monday’s practice and will not be available for the first game of the season. If Wade returns on Thursday, it could push Jabari Walker out of the rotation entirely, with Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope likely playing fewer minutes after logging 26 minutes in the opener. Wade’s absence will affect the 76ers’ rotation, especially with Adem Bona (foot) also questionable. Bona missed the entire preseason with a sprained left foot but could be available for Tuesday’s opener. Wade’s ankle injury was not considered a major concern after Friday’s game, but he will not be able to play in the season opener. The 76ers will need to adjust their lineup with Wade out, and Walker may see increased minutes at center if Bona and other rotation bigs are sidelined. Wade’s contract is not fully guaranteed until January 10, and he was a solid contributor for the Cavaliers last season, averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds on 43.9/36.2/71.1 shooting splits. He will be absent from the lineup for the first game of the 2024‑25 season against the Knicks.