Sixers sideline Lavoy Allen

BILBAO, Spain -- The 76ers will play their preseason opener minus Lavoy Allen.

The reserve post player will be held out of Sunday's exhibition game against Bilbao Basket at the Bizkaia Arena due to a lingering knee injury. He's expected to play Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Manchester, England.

"We are just trying to be smart," coach Brett Brown said Sunday morning. "As long as we get one game out of him [during the two-game European trip], give little bit more time and try to let him play against Ok City."

The 6-foot-9, 255-pounder averaged 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds last season for the Sixers.