Winning the opening three games of an NBA season would usually encourage a coach to maintain a successful lineup, but Nick Nurse is taking a different approach with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rather than pushing his biggest stars through every game, Philadelphia has begun managing the workloads of LeBron James and Joel Embiid, recognizing that their availability later in the season could matter considerably more than early victories.
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James missed Saturday's 127-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, sitting out the first game of a back-to-back because of lower back and sciatica management.
The decision raised questions about the condition of the 41-year-old, who is entering his 24th NBA season, although Nurse indicated that the absence was precautionary rather than the result of a fresh injury setback.
Philadelphia's decision followed discussions involving the team's medical department, front office and James' representatives, with all parties working toward a schedule intended to preserve his fitness.
"I think I said after the game that the medical teams and LeBron's team and the front office group has been kind of working on that and it's where they landed," Nurse told reporters.
"Not sure where we are tomorrow yet. But that's where we are tonight, then we'll roll from there."
The 76ers coach also indicated that James hadn't reported fresh pain or discomfort, providing reassurance that the veteran's absence was part of a broader management plan.
That matters because James is attempting to maintain his performance deep into a career that has already spanned more than two decades.
With Philadelphia pursuing a championship, the organization appears determined to avoid placing unnecessary demands on him during the opening weeks.
Embiid's injury history adds another complication
James' absence gave Embiid an opportunity to take greater responsibility against Milwaukee, and the former MVP responded with an outstanding all-around performance.
The center recorded 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, converting 12 of his 14 free throws as Philadelphia maintained its perfect start.
However, Embiid also faces restrictions because of his injury history, having failed to play more than 40 regular-season games in any season since 2022-23.
Despite expressing his desire to play on consecutive nights, the 76ers planned to manage his availability carefully.
"I actually want to play tomorrow, so can you guys put pressure on them?" Embiid joked with reporters.
"But it doesn't really matter. It's all about the season going well. So I guess the more time you can get to recover, the better, and then get used to it."
76ers putting long-term fitness ahead of early victories
Philadelphia's approach reflects the challenge of building consistency around two established superstars whose health requires additional attention.
Resting James or Embiid can disrupt offensive chemistry, particularly when the team is still adapting to the arrival of its veteran forward.
However, the alternative could prove considerably more damaging if either player experiences an extended absence during the regular season.
Nurse must therefore balance competitive results with the physical demands facing his most important players.
The 76ers have made an encouraging start, but their championship hopes are likely to depend less on maintaining an unbeaten record in October than ensuring James and Embiid remain healthy when the playoffs arrive.