Philadelphia 76ers confirm backup center Ariel Hukporti has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon..

The Philadelphia 76ers announced on their official website Tuesday that an MRI confirmed that their backup center, Ariel Hukporti, has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Monday's preseason opener.

According to the 76ers, Hukporti will undergo surgery on Tuesday, the same day the announcement is made, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Furthermore, according to a follow-up report by ESPN's Bobby Marks, the 76ers are eligible to apply for and receive a $1.7 million "disabled player exception" (half of Hukporti's salary for the 2026-27 season).

However, since the team's current total salary is only $1.8 million below the top salary cap, if they want to sign a player to fill the roster void left by Hukporti, they must first waive a player or make a small trade to free up more salary cap space.

Currently, the 76ers have one open two-way contract roster spot, which they could also consider signing a center to fill.

Previously, the 76ers signed center Tacko Fall to an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, giving him the opportunity to compete for a two-way contract. However, according to previous reports from the team, Fall is currently sidelined with a left hip strain and is expected to undergo a re-evaluation in 7 to 10 days.

The 24-year-old German center Hulkporti, won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks and subsequently signed a one-year, $3.4 million free agent contract with the 76ers in July.

The 76ers' only remaining center, Adem Bona, is also sidelined due to a left ankle sprain and has yet to participate in training camp. However, the team hopes he can return during the preseason.

Besides starting center Joel Embiid, the 76ers' other forward/center options include Dean Wade, Dominique Barlow, and Jabari Walker.

The Philadelphia 76ers will open their NBA regular season on October 20 in New York City against the Hukporti's former team, the New York Knicks.

Image source: Internet / ESPN