PHILADELPHIA -- Just five minutes into the preseason opener against the New York Knicks on Monday, 76ers backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered a right leg injury, causing him to leave the 120-97 victory.
The noncontact injury occurred with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. Hukporti fell to the floor on the defensive end and immediately grabbed his lower right leg.
The big man, signed to a one-year, $3.4 million free agent contract in July after winning a championship with the Knicks, was helped off the floor during an ensuing timeout.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse said after the win that Hukporti will get imaging on his right Achilles on Tuesday.
Several of Hukporti's new teammates offered support and concern for the 24-year-old out of Germany.
"Huk has been a joy to have," Jaylen Brown said. "He's been great in the locker room, so it sucks to see a guy like that go down."
Jabari Walker, who finished with 11 points (3-for-5 on 3-pointers) and 11 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench filling in for Hukporti as a stretch big after he went out said he had already grown close with the free agent signee in a short amount of time.
"He's like my brother," Walker said. "It's especially hard for me because I see the work he puts in. He just came to training camp and his energy has been great. He's a great locker room guy. Man... that messed me up, honestly."
Added Nurse: "I just saw him for a little bit during the game. Gave him a big hug. He's been a joy to coach in the short time he's been here. Really a good dude. So, we'll just hope for the best."