News 76ers Team Notes

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers Reacts Results: Fans expect top-six seed finish in Eastern Conference

Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Philadelphia 76ers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Philadelphia 76ers will host their home opener on Saturday evening, beginning their season with a 1-0 record after defeating the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

Before that game even tipped off, however, we wanted to take the temperature of Sixers’ fans. In our first Sixers Reacts Survey this season, we asked readers what they thought the most likely outcome of the 2025-26 campaign would be for the Sixers.

The results are in, and they might surprise you.

With a dominating 59% of the vote, readers said the most likely outcome for the Sixers’ regular season would be a spot in the top six seeds in the Eastern Conference.

Now, that might sound surprising or overly-optimistic. After all, this was a team that finished 13th in the East last season with a 24-58 record! (And it honestly felt even worse than that most of the time…) This season, however, could be a slightly different story.

In the season opener, 2025 No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe started his NBA career with a historic bang, Tyrese Maxey looked damn good alongside him and supporting teammates such as Dominick Barlow impressed beyond expectations. For a game in which Joel Embiid really struggled while Paul George and Jared McCain were sidelined, it went as well as can probably be asked for. Now, that’s just one game, but it seems like the Sixers are coming into this season with a bit more of a proactive plan of how to operate when Embiid and/or George are unavailable or simply aren’t playing dominantly. That bodes a bit better than last season.

Possibly even more impactful here, however, are the external factors working in the Sixers’ favor, mainly that other Eastern Conference teams are dealing with some major injuries this year. Just to name a few of the biggest ones, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (who was bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks) are all recovering from Achilles tears that are set to sideline them for the entire season (barring Tatum coming back this year, for whatever reason that’s being considered). Those in addition to others short and long term injuries throughout the East have the conference’s top seeds looking much more open to the taking than past seasons.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently (Oct. 24, 2025, 9 p.m. ET) has the Sixers at -230 odds to make the 2025-26 playoffs and with the sixth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1200 (tied with the Detroit Pistons).

Twenty-eight percent of our fan survey votes point toward a Play-In Tournament appearance from the Sixers this season, which would mean a finish within seeds 7 through 10. Those votes broke down to 19% overall predicting the 76ers to win the pre-postseason tourney, and 9% expecting their campaign to end in the tournament.

That being said, 13% predict the Sixers’ campaign to end in the regular season — no Play-In, no playoffs. This would require the Sixers to finish 12th or worst in the East. A reminder that last year’s 24-win team finished 13th, so this might be a bit pessimistic of a view…

After the last few seasons, though, you can’t really blame Philadelphia fans for having some skepticism, can you?

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/gene...s-results-eastern-conference-philadelphia-nba

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers host Hornets in home opener, both looking to start season 2-0

Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers will take the floor at the Xfinity Mobile Arena for the first time in the 2025-26 regular season, hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

The Sixers are — perhaps a bit surprisingly — 1-0 after taking down the Boston Celtics 117-116 at TD Garden earlier this week. It was a gutsy, come-from-behind fourth period win that featured a historic NBA debut from VJ Edgecombe. The 2025 No. 3 overall pick put up a franchise-record 34 points in his first game in the association. The previous Sixers’ record was held by Allen Iverson (30 points, 1996).

Backcourt-mate Tyrese Maxey was right there with Edgecombe making history, too. Maxey put up 40 points on Wednesday night, tying Hall of Famer Hal Greer’s 1969 franchise record for most points scored in a Sixers’ season opener.

Now, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. It was just one game of 82, and we all know how long of a season that can become. But, especially for a season that might not really be about this season, it was a fun start.

And now we move on to game No. 2. As of Friday evening’s injury report, Paul George (knee), Jared McCain (thumb) and Trendon Watford (hamstring) remain out for Philadelphia. Justin Edwards is probable with rib soreness. Joel Embiid, who was on a minutes restriction in the season opener and, frankly, just didn’t have a good first game, is notably not on the injury report.

For Charlotte, Josh Green (rib) and Grant Williams (knee) are both out for Saturday.

The Hornets come to South Philadelphia also 1-0 after comfortably winning their season-opener 136-117 over the visiting Brooklyn Nets. It was the result of a widespread effort from Charlotte, with nine of 10 players taking the floor scoring in the double-digits. Brandon Miller led the way with 25 points and seven assists and LaMelo Ball added 20 points and eight assists. The Hornets out-rebounded the Nets 50-38 and shot the lights out, shooting 53.3% from the field (on 90 attempts) and 47.2% from long range (on 36 attempts).

For the first time in their franchise’s history, the Hornets had two rookies in that opening-night starting lineup: 2025 No. 5 overall pick Kon Knueppel and No. 34 pick Ryan Kalkbrenner. Knueppel put up 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3PT) with five rebounds and an assist. Kalkbrenner put up 10 points (5-6 FG) and grabbed 11 boards, five on the offensive end.

So, both teams are coming into Saturday night with young talent looking to build on their debuts and their squads hoping to start their campaigns with a 2-0 record. It should be a good one in South Philadelphia.

The Sixers and Hornets tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Game Details​

When: Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...ey-vj-edgecombe-kon-knueppel-ryan-kalkbrenner

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Andre Drummond’s reflective offseason had him ready to save the day

Shortly after the Sixers dispatched the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, backup center Andre Drummond emerged from the home locker room, wearing a T-shirt and his blue game shorts.

His 6-year-old son Deion trailed behind.

“C’mon, slowpoke,” Drummond said gently.

The two of them would appear to be as close as can be, as indicated by a 2021 video that shows the elder Drummond leaping into a backyard pool to save his son, then 2, after he had tumbled in.

So now they headed off in the direction of the weight room. The elder Drummond had to get his postgame lift in (presumably while Deion repaired to the room set aside by the team for players’ families), and never mind that it was growing late. Or that Andre had played the final 15:48, when the Sixers rallied from 10 down to win, 125-121.

That’s a long stretch for anyone, much less a 32-year-old in his 14th season. Or a guy whose stock in trade has always been rebounding. While with Detroit earlier in his career he led the league in offensive boards six times and in total rebounds four.

That’s a matter of positioning, guile and desire, not to mention strength. So the workouts are non-negotiable.

“It’s been a part of my regimen since early in my career, just lifting after games,” Drummond said after grabbing 13 boards to go with seven points. “It kind of just keeps my body going.”

The moral of the story is that little things add up, that seemingly minor acts might well determine the course of a season. Drummond understands that, and the Sixers can only hope that it is true in a larger sense, too.

They are 2-0, with a one-point victory over a Boston team missing Jayson Tatum and a four-point victory over a Charlotte club not expected to contend for the playoffs. Two games obviously represent a minute sample size, but consider this: They opened last season 0-2, en route to 1-7, 2-12, 3-14 and, by the end of the year, 24-58.

So while 2-0 might not mean everything, it’s entirely possible it means something.

They would like to believe they are better than they were a year ago — deeper, more versatile, better able to withstand the iffy health of Joel Embiid, currently on a minutes restriction, and Paul George, who has yet to make his season debut.

The rotation at present includes four guys who weren’t on the roster at the beginning of last season — starters VJ Edgecombe and Dominick Barlow and subs Quentin Grimes and Jabari Walker. Edgecombe, the prize rookie, has made a particular splash, and Grimes, acquired last February from Dallas, nailed the go-ahead 3-pointer with 15 seconds left Saturday.

Again, seems meaningful, even at this early date.

“And,” Drummond said, “I think we did the work. I think our offseason was really, really intense.”

He was one of the last guys to return to town this summer. And when he showed up for his first run with teammates, he was surprised to learn they were playing “prison ball,” as he called it.

“Like, we were calling no fouls,” he said. “We were just out there, hooping. … So just the energy in the gym was there from the beginning.”

It seems to have remained. Tyrese Maxey poured in 40 points in the opener, while Edgecombe added 34, most by a Sixer his first time out of the chute. And on Saturday, four guys notched 19 or more, topped by Maxey’s 28.

Afterward Maxey made sure to mention to Edgecombe that he had knocked down the clinching free throws with just over a second left, something the rookie had failed to do in the opener. (Wasn’t the first time the vet brought that up. He did so immediately after the Boston game, too.) Maxey also needled backup wing Justin Edwards about a double-dribble call against him Saturday, prompting howls of protest.

Meantime Charlotte coach Charles Lee said Drummond “changed the complexion of the game” with his boardwork. Drummond snagged six rebounds off the offensive glass, seven defensively and was a plus-12. Only Kelly Oubre Jr. (plus-18) was better.

“That’s one of those where you’re thrilled because he played so well and you got the result,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said, “and now you’re wondering why you didn’t use him earlier a little bit, to be honest.”

But with Embiid again limited to 20 minutes – a stint in which he scored 20 points – and the other rotational big, Adem Bona, ineffective in his 12 minutes, Nurse turned to the veteran.

“I just thought it was time to try to find some spark of energy,” he said. “And he certainly provided it.”

Nobody seemed surprised.

“That’s him, bro,” Edwards told a pack of reporters. “That’s Andre Drummond, man. Y’all should know that. It was huge for us.”

“Big minutes, big buckets, big stops,” Edgecombe said. “We all know what he can do.”

But Drummond wasn’t sure he was going to be allowed to do much of anything this season. He appeared in just 40 games in 2024-25, and had to work on his body and his mind over the summer.

Regarding the former, he said, “Changed the diet. Just ran more. Less cheat days.”

And evidence of the latter can be found in the new tattoo on the back of his right hand. “DON’T QUIT,” it says, in all capital letters.

“It’s a reminder to myself: No matter what happens, just never give up and just keep going,” he said, adding that ‘24-25 was “an interesting year.”

“It started making me second-guess – like, ‘Damn man, hopefully this is not it for me,’” he said. “You know, I’ve still got a lot left in the tank. So I felt like this is something to remind myself every time I have those moments of doubt.”

In truth, it’s still not clear what his role might be. He played just three minutes in Boston. But he has pledged to stay ready, and to serve as an example to the younger players. In particular he has counseled Edwards, who shot horribly in the preseason – 3-for-26 from the field, including 2-for-18 from the arc – after showing promise last winter.

Edwards swore his confidence didn’t take a hit, while at the same time admitting, “Not making shots, it’s more so like something where I battle within myself.” Whatever the case, he worked at his craft on the side and was ready when called upon in the second half Saturday, shooting 3-for-5 from downtown and scoring nine points in 12:29.

Might not mean anything. But then again, it could mean something. Certainly the Sixers are more than willing to grasp at such straws, to see what they can make of the smallest of building blocks. And all the better if they can push aside last season’s rubble in the process.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...nets-justin-edwards-vj-edgecombe-tyrese-maxey

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Joel Embiid to miss matchup vs. Magic due to injury management, Dominick Barlow to undergo procedure

It took two games for a Joel Embiid injury update, but this one doesn’t seem too serious.

The Sixers released their injury report ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Orlando Magic on Monday, and Embiid appeared on it for the first time this season. He’s been ruled out for that game, with the listed reason being “injury management.” Dominick Barlow, who left the win over over the Hornets with an elbow laceration, has also been ruled out along with Paul George, Trendon Watford and Jared McCain.

Joel Embiid is OUT tomorrow on the front end of the Sixers’ back-to-back. Dominick Barlow (elbow) also out, in addition to George/Watford/McCain. pic.twitter.com/Q8xpzkLLoH

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) October 26, 2025

It’s not a surprise at all to see Embiid ruled out for a game that is the first leg of a back-to-back, but it’s a bit different to see him ruled out for the home game of that set. The Sixers will head down to Washington to take on the Wizards the following day. Embiid has almost always played the home game when faced with such a choice.

The most likely reason for the decision is for Embiid to get an extra day off between games. Having two days off between games instead one could make a difference in his ability to recover.

It’s also possible that the Sixers are picking the easier matchup as Embiid is trying to play himself into shape. No one would argue that Orlando’s group of bigs, led by Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr., pose a much more physical and challenging matchup than the young group of the Wizards.

Or maybe Embiid’s knee isn’t feeling great after two games of action and he’ll miss both of these upcoming games. The injury management designation does throw cold water on that, but that’ll be a fear for Embiid until his body is able to prove otherwise. That answer is still a couple days away before that injury report is due for the Sixers, unless Nick Nurse sheds some light on Embiid’s status before Monday night’s game.

Update: 10/26/25, 6:59 p.m ET​

Not too long after the injury report was released, the Sixers gave an update that provided further detail on Dominick Barlow’s situation. He was ruled out of the home opener win vs Charlotte at halftime with an elbow laceration. The team has announced that he will go undergo a procedure for that elbow injury, and will be out at least the next two games.

Dominick Barlow will undergo a procedure tomorrow to fix a laceration on his right elbow he suffered vs. the Hornets, per Sixers. He’s out the next two games and will be reevaluated later this week.

— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) October 26, 2025

The timing is definitely a bummer for Barlow. This is a guy on a two-way contract who not only earned his way into a rotation, but into the Sixers’ starting lineup. It doesn’t sound like this injury and subsequent procedure is too big of a deal. The reevaluation coming later in the week is a fairly positive sign. Regardless, no one around this team right now wants to see a notification that says “medical update.”

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...iss-matchup-vs-magic-due-to-injury-management

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers host Magic looking to remain undefeated

We’d have to go back to the offseason of 2024 for the last time vibes were this high surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have won consecutive games in the final minute to open the season 2-0 for the first time in five years. Third overall pick VJ Edgecombe has had a historic start to his rookie season. Quentin Grimes seems happy following the tragically long and ultimately fruitless end to Restricted Free Agency Decision 2025. Even Andre Drummond looks rejuvenated and productive.

Naturally, then, we were due for a fly in the punch bowl. The Sixers released the injury report for tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic, and Joel Embiid is out due to load management. Now, we were fully aware Joel is not going to play both ends of any back-to-backs this season, but seeing the first DNP of the season still hits a little bit regardless. Dominick Barlow having his elbow cut so badly that it requires a procedure and multiple games on the sidelines is also a Very Sixers Injury. Plus, it would be nice to see hints of a Paul George season debut, but it’s better than the team rushing him back to action before that knee is 100 percent, I suppose.

Let’s focus on the positives then. Tyrese Maxey looks to be back on an All-Star, maybe All-NBA, trajectory after a step back last season. Edgecombe followed up his epic 34-point debut with eight assists in the win over Charlotte. Both his playmaking and mid-range scoring game have looked much better than advertised in the scouting report. VJ definitely looks like a guy benefiting from the increased spacing of the NBA game. The Sixers look set in the backcourt for years to come, and we haven’t even seen Jared McCain yet this season.

On the opposing sideline, the Orlando Magic were every other podcaster’s “watch for them to maybe come out of the East” dark horse pick in the wake of the trade for Desmond Bane. They’ve started the season 1-2, with a win over Miami and losses to Atlanta and Chicago. Bane is currently third on the team in scoring at 17.3 points per game, behind the Franz Wagner-Paolo Banchero star duo. He’s only shooting 26.7 percent from three over the small sample size; once that normalizes to career numbers, the Magic could be looking at three players averaging around 20 points per game. Unlike the Sixers, the Magic enter tonight’s contest relatively healthy, with only Mo Wagner (torn ACL recovery) listed on the injury report.

Philadelphia is listed as 4.5-point underdogs for tonight’s game, per FanDuel, which makes sense, considering the Sixers are much more shorthanded and the Magic were projected to be the better team coming into the season. But the Sixers have shown a fighting mentality in the early going this season, and I’m excited to see what they have in store for us this evening. No matter what, it’s just nice to be looking forward to Sixers basketball again.

Game Details​

When: Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...ixers-host-magic-looking-to-remain-undefeated

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Watch 9 Sixers’ highlights vs. Magic that helped them stay undefeated

Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers are 3-0 after taking down the Orlando Magic in South Philadelphia 136-124 on Monday night. It was another fun, highlight-packed game for the Sixers, especially for Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe (surprise, surprise). The dynamic backcourt duo combined with great performances from Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and others to take down Orlando — even with Joel Embiid, Paul George, Jared McCain and Dominck Barlow all sidelined.

If you’re looking for a full game recap, you can check that out here.

Here, we’re just going to watch some highlights. There were a lot to choose from on Monday — let’s look at some of the best plays that led the Sixers to victory.

1. This entire early first quarter sequence

Bona block Edgecombe layup Oubre block Maxey triple! pic.twitter.com/vMrwsrxTjH

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 27, 2025

Wow, that was nice. Bona gets up for the block and Edgecombe shows off some excellent body control for the smooth finish down the other end. Oubre slaps a block of his own on the following Magic possession and Maxey turns it into three points. *chef’s kiss*

2. Andre Drummond with the muscle, VJ Edgecombe with the smooth finish

Andre Drummond battles for the offensive board, VJ Edgecombe turns it into 3 points for the Sixers pic.twitter.com/mNXF1oteya

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 27, 2025

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t super excited when I saw Andre Drummond coming into the game against the Charlotte Hornets this past Saturday night. Man, was I an idiot? After a stellar performance that was vital to the Sixers’ comeback win that evening, Drummond was back out on the floor Monday evening battling for boards again. In this clip, he wins the fight over two members of the Magic squad to grab the offensive rebound

In the extended possession, Edgecombe then hits a perfect step-back, creating space to hit the three over Paolo Banchero.

3. VJ Edgecombe. A rookie, apparently.

VJ Edgecombe with the casual rookie-level finish*, of course!

* holy crap this kid is good. pic.twitter.com/N7gZdErtBg

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

This one speaks for itself, really. There’s not many NBA rookies able to hit this footwork and finish like Edgecombe can.

4. This backcourt is SPECIAL.

VJ EDGECOMBE. TYRESE MAXEY.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. pic.twitter.com/wx0TQpGU9F

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

Edgecombe hits a perfectly-timed leap to manage a huge trailing block on Banchero before Maxey somehow sinks an absolute circus shot finish down the offensive end. What a special backcourt this is already proving to be.

5. Adem Bona with back-to-back jams

How about back-to-back slams from Adem Bona?! pic.twitter.com/NePF3qs4le

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

Bona was a beast on defense on Monday night, popping up seemingly everywhere on that end of the floor and ending up with three blocks. On the offensive end, Bona had just seven points against the Magic, but he certainly had some fun ones. How about back-to-back dunks from the big man?

6. Kelly Oubre Jr. with a stellar night

Kelly Oubre Jr. continues to build on his excellent performance tonight — he's up to 21 points with time still left in Q3 pic.twitter.com/DIU0AUCXAI

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

You might think this is a “boring” highlight. Maybe it is. It’s not a high-flying dunk or a half-court shot, but Oubre didn’t need those on Monday night to be hugely impactful, and he deserves his kudos. All night, Oubre was driving into the arc to hit some silky smooth midrange jumpers or going right to the rim to finish (and often, drawing fouls in the process). Perhaps none of it was particularly flashy, especially when compared to some of the other plays we’re looking at here, but this was his best performance of the young season, for sure. Oubre finished the night with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double.

7. Eric Gordon sinks one from Broad Street

ERIC GORDON FROM WAAAAAAY DOWNTOWN pic.twitter.com/HUBeNLeXBa

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

Self-explanatory. Eric Gordon had eight points in 11 minutes off the bench shooting 3-for-4 from the floor and 2-for-3 from long range, including this one from long long range.

8. Turning defense into offense

DEFENSE INTO OFFENSE pic.twitter.com/jewlV5ZH3s

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

With a Magic team bringing a decent size advantage into this contest due to the Sixers’ absences, it was vital that Philadelphia took advantage of turnovers and utilized speed in transition to snag points with Orlando trailing behind as often as possible.

It wasn’t the prettiest example here, but it doesn’t matter — it worked.

9. Tyrese Maxey. The Franchise.

TYRESE MAXEY WANTS THE SIXERS TO BE 3-0!

7 consecutive Sixers' points from Maxey brings his total tonight to 41! pic.twitter.com/7BU2VXntaz

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

Maxey really wanted to see the Sixers go 3-0, I guess. Late in the fourth with the battle between the Sixers and Magic raging closely, Maxey went on a 7-0 run all on his own to secure the win for Philadelphia, notching his second 40-point game of the young season in the process.

Which highlight was YOUR favorite? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...adelphia-sixers-vj-edgecombe-tyrese-maxey-nba

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Trendon Watford will make Sixers debut tonight against Wizards

Even amidst the Philadelphia 76ers’ excitedly productive start to the 2025-26 regular season, some injury issues have persisted. As the Sixers now prepare for the second leg of a back-to-back tonight in the nation’s capital, they’ll get some much-needed fresh legs added to the rotation.

Trendon Watford will make his Philadelphia 76ers debut tonight against the Washington Wizards, League Sources tell The Athletic. The Sixers get some much needed depth up front available to them on a back to back

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) October 28, 2025

Watford appeared in 44 games last season for Brooklyn, averaging 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He signed a deal with the Sixers towards the beginning of free agency, and as the roster shook out, many expected him to start at the power forward spot for Philadelphia heading into the season. Then he suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and missed the team’s entire preseason and first three regular season games. We hadn’t heard any murmurs about Watford’s return being imminent, so his suddenly being fit to play is a nice surprise.

Although we all expected Joel Embiid to rejoin the lineup after sitting out last night’s win over Orlando for load management reasons, Dominick Barlow remains out due an elbow laceration. Watford will be a welcome addition to the frontcourt rotation, particularly considering everyone outside of Embiid played last night. Here’s the full injury report from the team:

Joel Embiid (injury management) and Trendon Watford (hamstring) both are OFF the injury report for tonight's Sixers vs. Wizards matchup.

Dominick Barlow (elbow), Paul George (knee) and Jared McCain (thumb) remain OUT. pic.twitter.com/SxLeEYPB9h

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 28, 2025

We’ll see if Watford gets thrown right into the starting lineup, or whether Nick Nurse eases him in for his season debut. The Sixers take on the Wizards at 7 p.m., who have started the season 1-2, most recently losing to Charlotte, 139-113, on Sunday. The vibes have been tremendous for Philadelphia to start the season, and Watford’s return should only add to the fun.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...ill-make-sixers-debut-tonight-against-wizards

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Bona heroics, Maxey magic and more: 9 highlights from Sixers’ comeback over Wizards

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Wow, what a thriller.

The Philadelphia 76ers remain undefeated after coming back from a 19-point deficit on Tuesday night to take down the Washington Wizards 139-134 in overtime.

The odds were stacking against the Sixers with the Wizards shooting the lights out and the 76ers looking like… well, like they were on the second leg of a back-to-back, for sure. However, thanks to some heroic efforts, especially from Adem Bona, the Sixers were able to pry a victory from the jaws of defeat. They are now 4-0 to start the season.

If you’re looking for a full game recap, you can find that here. To vote for the Sixers Bell Ringer, head here.

If you want to see some highlights that helped turn this one around for Philadelphia, you’re in the right place. Let’s get watching.

1. Textbook two-man game from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid

A beautiful bit of two-man game from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey pic.twitter.com/ULH5OvYOf0

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 28, 2025

Love to see these two getting to go to work on the floor together again! This is just a simple but beautifully-effective give-and-go between Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey makes a great cut after passing the ball off to Embiid and the big fella splits the defenders with the dime back to Maxey for the finish at the rim.

2. Tyrese Maxey’s first period shooting

Another great period from Tyrese Maxey, picking up where he left off last night with 12 points in Q1.

Here's his points from the floor in the opening frame vs. Wizards. pic.twitter.com/ofhcTxM4A1

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 28, 2025

Maxey picked right back up where he left off on Monday night, putting up a dozen on the Wizards in the opening frame Tuesday night. Maxey shot 4-for-6 from the floor, 2-for-3 from long range, with two rebounds, two assists and a block in the first period against the Wizards.

3. Adem Bona blocks, Kelly Oubre Jr. hits from beyond the arc

Bona with ANOTHER block, Oubre with the 3-point play down the other end. pic.twitter.com/nIm03GlwJY

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

We’re zooming ahead to the fourth period now as the Sixers finally shift into gear to try to overcome what was once a 19-point deficit. Bona starts this one off with a monster block — one of many from the end of this contest, more on that to come — and Kelly Oubre Jr. capitalizes. Oubre continues to have success with the midrange jumper and keeps drawing fouls in the process, which becomes absolutely massive when the Sixers are trying to mount comebacks with time running thin. He finished Tuesday night with his second consecutive double-double, putting up 17 points with 11 rebounds.

4. Quentin Grimes battles back

The Sixers have pulled within 3! pic.twitter.com/Cd9B6Qv69v

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

Tuesday night’s game was a bit of a mixed bag for Quentin Grimes, but he stepped up when it really mattered and this is the perfect example. In this late fourth-period sequence, Grimes hits a three and goes right to work on the full-court defense, stealing the ball away for the Sixers and ultimately allowing them to pull within three points in the final minute.

Grimes scored 12 points in the pivotal fourth period, shooting 5-for-8 from the floor and 2-for-3 from long range, with three rebounds, one assist, a steal and two blocks in the frame.

5. Adem Bona blocks again (does NOT goaltend!)

REVIEW CONFIRMS THAT IS A CLEAN BLOCK FOR ADEM BONA! pic.twitter.com/WobE9eThQd

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

We had to wait a bit for the confirmation on this one as it happened, but that is a clean block from Bona with just 23 seconds to play and the game tied! This was called a goaltend on the floor, momentarily giving the Wizards the 128-126 lead, but review eventually prevailed and Bona was credited with the clean block, keeping the game level and ultimately sending it to overtime at 126-126.

6. A little Tyrese Maxey magic keeps the Sixers’ hopes alive.

Maxey with some magic trying to keep the Sixers going here in overtime! pic.twitter.com/SHAauVXAlF

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

The Sixers weren’t able to score a single point in the first few minutes of overtime, so it was going to take a little Maxey magic to get things going. Not only does Maxey stay inbounds battling the Wizards defense along the baseline, but he also manages to actually finish the play with an insane reverse layup. Maxey would ultimately score nine points in overtime after getting started with this bucket.

7. Adem Bona slams home his only points of the game — the go-ahead bucket in overtime.

AND THE SIXERS TAKE THE LEAD IN OT! THEIR FIRST LEAD IN THIS GAME SINCE Q1! pic.twitter.com/iZ9PmmxmYC

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

Bona scored just two points in Tuesday’s game, but boy were they important. The Sixers trailed by one point with 28 seconds remaining in overtime. On this play, you can see Bona set the screen for Maxey way out at the logo before immediately trailing him all the way to the net, putting him in perfect position to get up and slam home a put-back dunk on the floater that Maxey left a little short. This was the Sixers’ first lead since the first period, and it was ultimately the one that mattered.

8. Adem Bona does it all, secures the win for Philadelphia.

ADEM BONA. BLOCKS. AGAIN.

THAT IS HIS 5TH BLOCK. pic.twitter.com/s4eI9mqTlD

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 29, 2025

There was really no more appropriate way for this one to end. After the put-back dunk to take the lead for the Sixers, Bona gets up to block CJ McCollum’s effort to re-tie the game and effectively seals the win for Philadelphia.

9. Oops! All Adem Bona!

Holy moly, Adem Bona.

From Q4 7:18 through OT, Bona put up FIVE MASSIVE BLOCKS and slammed home the go-ahead points in the Sixers' comeback victory. Let's relive it all. pic.twitter.com/eQWBUYOg5f

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 29, 2025

Some of these we already looked at individually above, and some we haven’t talked about here yet — they’re all worth watching again. From 7:15 left in the fourth period through the end of overtime, Bona put up a massive five blocks and scored the go-ahead points that led the Sixers’ to victory. Here’s all of those moments from his game-changing stint.

What was YOUR favorite highlight from the Sixers’ win over the Wizards? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...-video-nba-adem-bona-tyrese-maxey-joel-embiid

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

The Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt is ushering in an era of joy

Everyone gets their heart broken. For most, it happens more than once. It can do serious damage, making us afraid to love again.

The last decade — hell, the last quarter century — has been filled with soul-crushing moments for the most diehard Sixers fans. From rookie injuries to guys forgetting how to shoot to playoff disappointments and everything in between, this basketball team has continually warmed your heart only to rip it out and stomp on it.

It’s only fitting that two players who basically fell into the franchise’s lap under the strangest of circumstances would be ushering in an era of joy.

The Sixers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in the NBA after an impressive 136-124 victory over the Orlando Magic Monday and a dramatic comeback overtime win the very next night against the Washington Wizards. They’re 4-0. After not winning their fourth game last season until after Thanksgiving, they reached that number before Halloween in 2025-26. The biggest reason: the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Per ESPN, the 186 points Maxey and Edgecome combined for through the first three games is the most for a starting backcourt through three games since at least 1970-71, when starters first started to be tracked. The historical numbers took a bit of a hit after a “down” game for Edgecombe in D.C. Nevertheless, the future is bright.

The winning and the stats are great, but both guys also play the game with unbridled enthusiasm — a welcome departure from some of the more sour personalities the Sixers have employed in recent memory.

Sure, Maxey is slightly less smiley as a grizzled, 24-year-old veteran, but it’s obvious the 20-year-old Edgecombe’s energy has been infectious. And it seems to be trickling down the entire roster.

But don’t mistake the joy for weakness.

On the first play of the game Monday, Edgecombe took an elbow to the face. He was bleeding to the point where the officials had to stop the game for an infection control timeout. Edgecombe never came out — though he did admit after the game that his teeth still hurt.

With the Sixers threatening to run the Magic out of the gym in the second half, Desmond Bane decided to do a little tough guy routine after fouling Maxey. Maxey rose to his feet and immediately got in Bane’s face. Double technicals were called. Bane committed three fouls on that one possession. He later committed a bad foul on a Quentin Grimes’ three-point attempt. Moments later, he fouled out.

When keeping it real goes wrong.

Tuesday felt like it just wasn’t their night. It would’ve been understandable if the Sixers sort of packed it in after falling down by as many as 19 in the second half and the Wizards seemingly making everything. Not with this group. A clearly tired Maxey powered through, Grimes came up with several big plays, and second-year big man Adem Bona took the game over on defense.

You won’t be faster than them. You won’t outwork them. You can’t bully them, either. It’s fun to watch.

The new discourse adds to the fun:

What do the Sixers do when Joel Embiid, Paul George and Jared McCain are all healthy and playing regular minutes?

Oh my, how will the Sixers handle integrating a former MVP, a nine-time All-Star and a guy that would’ve won Rookie of the Year if not for injury to a super fun and talented team? This sounds catastrophic!

For what it’s worth, Embiid recorded a 25-point, seven-rebound, five-assist stat line in a little over 23 minutes. He was also a +9. It feels like he’ll figure it out. Maybe pump the brakes on a few of the hot takes.

What makes it even more enjoyable is how both Maxey and Edgecombe were acquired.

If Mike Muscala doesn’t hit a game-winning three against the Miami Heat in the NBA’s bubble, the Sixers’ 2020 first-round pick would’ve belonged to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead, the Sixers had the 21st overall selection and Maxey somehow fell to them. The NCAA Tournament was canceled because of COVID. If not for that, Maxey might’ve improved his stock with a big game or two for Kentucky.

Daryl Morey took on expiring contracts during the 2023-24 season, hoping to clear cap space and make a big free agency splash in the offseason. He did just that, signing George to a max deal. The Sixers were all in on winning a championship with the Big 3 of Maxey, George and Embiid.

And we all know how that ended.

But without arguably the most miserable season in franchise history in 2024-25, the team wouldn’t have been in a position to take Edgecombe third overall out of Baylor. Things breaking the team’s way is a borderline uncomfortable feeling in Philadelphia.

Years after Sam Hinkie’s plot to tank and accumulate draft assets, hoping for superstars, the Sixers lucked into a star backcourt. Yes, Morey’s front office did well in scouting both players and selecting them, but as Hinkie relayed in his resignation manifesto, a modicum of luck is required.

The illusion of control is an opiate, though. Nonetheless, it is annoyingly necessary to get
comfortable with many grades of maybe. Sixers fans come up to me to say hello and many of them say the
same thing (almost instinctively) as we part, “Good luck.” My standard reply: ‘Thanks. We’ll need it.‘

There was something darkly fun about The Process. This is different, though. This is an established player in Maxey who is ascending before our eyes. This is a 20-year-old rookie more than living up to his draft hype in his draft year. All the while, a couple talented veterans — and a super intriguing second-year guard in McCain, who will bring plenty of joy of his own — are biding their time.

You don’t have to put big expectations on it or quantify it all four games into the season.

You’re allowed to simply enjoy it all, Sixers fans.

You’ve earned it.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...d-record-joel-embiid-paul-george-jared-mccain

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers exercise third-year option on Jared McCain, who is back practicing

In news that is not actually news because of how fait accompli the decision was, the Philadelphia 76ers have exercised the third-year option on 2024 NBA first-round pick Jared McCain. Here is the official release from Sixers Public Relations:

“Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has exercised the third-year contract option on Jared McCain for the 2026-27 season.

Originally selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain, 21, appeared in 23 games (eight starts) during his rookie season. He averaged 15.3 points, leading all rookies in points per game last season, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes, while shooting 38.3-percent from beyond the arc (fourth among rookies in 2024-25).

McCain made at least three three-pointers in eight consecutive games from Nov. 8-22, setting an NBA rookie record.

The Sacramento, CA native posted rookie career highs with 34 points and 10 assists on Nov. 13 against Cleveland, joining Allen Iverson as the only 76ers rookies to ever produce such numbers in a single game. The 34-point outburst came during a stretch in which he recorded 20-or-more points in seven consecutive games from Nov. 10-22, good for the fourth-longest streak by a 76ers rookie in franchise history (Joel Embiid, Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, Lee Shaffer, and Jerry Stackhouse). McCain’s eight 20-point gamest tied him for third and his two 30-point games tied for second amongst rookies last season, despite his season ending on Dec. 13, 2024.

The Duke product was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October/November last season and was also selected for the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars.”

McCain’s salary will stand at $4.42 million next season. As for the present, with everything going so incredibly well to start the regular season for the 4-0 Sixers, people were actually asking the preposterous question, “What are they going to do when Paul George and Jared McCain get back?” As if a team that has started Jabari Walker and Justin Edwards in the past week (no offense to those guys who have been solid in their roles) couldn’t find time for a nine-time All-Star who is still probably their best wing defender and the guy who was on a Rookie of the Year trajectory pre-injury who can shoot the lights out. Regardless, we might be finding out soon.

Nick Nurse did temper things a bit re: Jared McCain. It was not a heavy practice and McCain still hasn’t done much with contact. https://t.co/zQckKEssUf

— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) October 30, 2025

Both McCain and George were practicing today, so while I wouldn’t expect them to take the court tomorrow against the Celtics, it does seem like their return will come in the foreseeable future. The vibes have been tremendous through four games for the Sixers, and adding back one of the only fun things about last year, that being the Jared McCain experience, should only keep the vibes train chugging full steam ahead.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...option-on-jared-mccain-who-is-back-practicing

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers open NBA Cup play against Boston

Only a little over one week has passed since the Philadephia 76ers opened the 2025-26 regular season in Boston. It has been a wild ride since then, with VJ Edgecombe making history, Tyrese Maxey taking another leap, the Sixers executing thrilling fourth-quarter comebacks, and an overtime game to boot. Now the Sixers return home to face the same Celtics with something much more important at stake than turning around the vibes of a tortured fan base: the NBA Cup!

That’s right, folks. NBA Cup group stage play begins tonight, stealing Halloween’s thunder with its sheer magnitude of importance. The Sixers and Celtics are part of East Group B, along with the Nets, Pistons and Magic. The winner of each of the six groups will advance to the knockout round, along with one wild card from each conference, based upon the best record in group stage games. We are just six wins away from the Sixers hoisting the Cup in Las Vegas, a moment every Philadelphia fan has dreamed about since they were a child. Lakers and Bucks fans still gather around and wax poetic about past Cup title runs. (In all seriousness, the Cup action has been very fun to watch once it hits the knockout stage.)

For the Sixers, it will be the same group available tonight as the win earlier this week in Washington, D.C., with three players unavailable:

Injur report for tomorrow against the Celtics:

OUT: Jared McCain (right hand surgery recovery), Paul George (left knee surgery recovery), Dominick Barlow (right elbow laceration) #Sixers

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) October 30, 2025

Everyone but Barlow participated in practice on Thursday, so we could soon be looking at the rarest of events for the Sixers: a clean injury report.

Meanhile, Boston is now 2-3 on the season, defeating New Orleans and Cleveland this week after dropping their first three contests. One lineup shift has been Josh Minott moving into the starting lineup, which coincided with the two Celtics victories. Minott recorded 15 points and nine rebounds against the Pelicans, and 11 points and 14 rebounds against the Cavaliers. The Celtics’ injury report for tonight only has the one big name:

Injury Report for tomorrow at PHI:

Jayson Tatum (right achilles repair) – OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 30, 2025

Boston let an 11-point fourth quarter lead slip away in the season opener. Maxey’s 40 points in that win were a sign of things to come, with his currently leading the NBA in scoring at 37.5 points per game. VJ Edgecombe scored 34 points, the most in any NBA rookie debut since Wilt Chamberlain; he has since overtaken Cooper Flagg as the Rookie of the Year favorite. Although Dominick Barlow was available for that previous meeting and will be missing the action tonight, the Sixers will have Trendon Watford, who played 18 minutes in his Sixers debut against the Wizards. As of this writing, the Sixers are 3-point favorites over the Celtics, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

As a reminder, the Sixers’ court tonight will be all dressed up for Halloween (and the Cup):

our @NBA Cup court. pic.twitter.com/oETe2g10cK

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 24, 2025

Happy Halloween, everyone! Hopefully the Sixers have more treats than tricks in store for us tonight.

Game Details​

When: Friday, October 31, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: Prime Video
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-game-previews/79907/sixers-open-nba-cup-play-against-boston

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers scare Celtics, but comeback falls short

2025-2026 Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 2

VJ Edgecombe – 1

Adem Bona – 1

---

The Philadelphia 76ers once again had their opponent frightened in the final minutes, yet their comeback against the Boston Celtics Friday fell just short.

Quickly into the their first NBA Cup matchup, it appeared as if the Sixers fan dream of an undefeated season was coming to an ugly end. That was far from the case.

The first quarter saw a Celtics team that was firing on all cylinders, and a Sixers team that looked a step slow. Shots were not falling, rebounds not bouncing the Sixers’ way, and the Celtics uncharacteristically torching them from the midrange.

The second quarter began the same — the Sixers could not buy a bucket offensively nor get stops on defense to run in transition.

Then everything flipped after a few plays from the Sixers’ star guards. They would go on a 20-8 run to cut the Celtics lead to 11 at halftime, a feat that felt impossible just seven minutes prior.

Despite a strong start to the second half for the Sixers, the Celtics got back out to a double-digit lead. They attacked the paint on offense and benefitted from poor stretches by Andre Drummond and Justin Edwards. Another Sixers run at the end of the quarter brought Boston’s lead back down to seven. The Sixers would win the third quarter for the first time this year, outscoring Boston 25-21.

The Sixers entered the game as the best fourth-quarter team, and it showed once again. They gave Boston the same nightmare that struck them on opening night, but the Sixers’ turnovers and panic on the final play let the Celtics escape with just a scare.

Now to Bell Ringer.

Tyrese Maxey: 26 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Maxey’s five turnovers, including one late where he dribbled the ball off of his foot out of bounds, is worth noting in a one-point loss. But his value to this team as a leader when the shots aren’t falling, like in this game, is immeasurable.

Tyrese Maxey goes to work with the spin move and smooth finish pic.twitter.com/nWxz5vOrgy

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 31, 2025

Both times the Sixers looked like they needed a buoy offensively, Maxey was there to hit a deep logo three. In the second quarter, his logo three helped spark the crowd, and perhaps some confidence in the team that the offense will be there, they just had to get some stops defensively. They would go on a 20-8 run to finish the half.

Late in the third quarter, after the Celtics went on a 10-0 run to give them a 12-point lead, Maxey hit a 28-foot three which stopped the run. The very next possession Quentin Grimes stole the ball from Anfernee Simons and converts two free throws on the other end for a huge five-point swing to close the third quarter.

His ability to tell when the Sixers need a bucket and to hit said bucket will keep them in games the rest of the season.

ONE POINT GAME… pic.twitter.com/fr9aHrFHPc

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) November 1, 2025

He did a great job of finding his teammates when doubled in the halfcourt or in transition, leading to the high assist total. If he can get the turnovers down, the Sixers will be in tremendous shape.

Joel Embiid: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks

Without Joel Embiid, this game could have been even uglier early on. He scored eight of the Sixers’ first 10 points and assisted on the other two (a nice pass to Jabari Walker out of a double-team). He provided consistent offense when Maxey and Edgecombe were cold, and continues to be one of the best screen setters in the NBA.

Joel Embiid-Tyrese Maxey two-man game for the triple pic.twitter.com/177Pi5jlkr

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 31, 2025

He hit a couple tough shots to begin the third, and had a nice chase down block to send back a Derrick White layup attempt. It was one of the first flashes of Embiid’s rim protection prowess we have seen this season. In the fourth, he got Hugo Gonzalez to foul him on a three, where he would convert at the line. And he had a nice pass out of a double-team to Edgecombe for a huge three late. He even gave the last second grenade, given to him by Quentin Grimes, a good chance to go in (it was ruled after the buzzer).

He took a some blows, including one from White to the face, and fell down his fair share, but he came away unscathed.

VJ Edgecombe: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 7-of-11 FG, 2-of-4 3PT

There’s nothing more you could ask for from Edgecombe in this game, except more. He was pivotal in the Sixers’ second-quarter run, nailing a crossover three on Payton Pritchard, then converting an and-one transition layup. He showed confidence from the midrange and three-point range in the halfcourt, and had a nice cutting dunk in transition to stop a Celtics run in third. He is playing very well off Maxey, and their chemistry on the fastbreak is a thing of beauty.

VJ Edgecombe. A ROOKIE! pic.twitter.com/iuNMXMMihd

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) November 1, 2025

In the fourth, his 1-on-1 defense on Anfernee Simons gave a glimpse of how lockdown this kid can be, but as of right now, larger guards like Jaylen Brown can give him some problems.

With efficient shooting like tonight, he should be seeing more volume moving forward. Will he be seeing another Bell Ringer?

Kelly Oubre Jr.: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 6-of-12 FG, 3-of-7 3PT

Oubre continues to be a crucial piece for the Sixers and he displayed it tonight. His ability to mesh into whatever the Sixers need at the given time offensively shows itself in many ways.

In the second-quarter run, Oubre Jr. converted a transition layup and a tough finish to beat the first half buzzer. In the second half, he hit multiple threes to help the Sixers remain in the game, and was fighting for rebounds even after the Celtics got multiple chances. His energy has been contagious and is worthy of Bell Ringer consideration.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...celtics-tyrese-maxey-joel-embiid-vj-edgecombe

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Cardiac Sixers can’t complete the comeback, drop a thriller to Celtics for first loss

Despite the fight shown, the Sixers were not able to rise up for the cup. At least they helped their point differential.

Kicking off group play, the Sixers dropped their first game of the season in a 109-108 nail biter to the Boston Celtics Friday night.

Still on a minutes restriction, Joel Embiid played his most minutes of the year, finishing with 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting, but missed a potential game-winning three. He added six rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 25 minutes of play.

Tyrese Maxey had his quietest game as a scorer. He still led the Sixers with 24, but could not get the game-winning floater to go. He also finished with 14 assists. VJ Edgecombe had his rookie moments but still had some big baskets, finishing with 17, five and five on 7-of-11 shooting. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 32.

Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.

First Quarter​

• It was a solid, if not slightly odd start for Embiid, who was responsible for the Sixers’ first 10 points of the game. He’s thrown some really nice passes this year, and started off tonight with a post entry to Jabari Walker for a layup. He looked good trying to slow things down, able to bully his way into some early free throws. He tried to get more aggressive and move faster and that’s when he got into a bit of trouble. One drive he took too many steps and ended up getting his layup blocked. Another he just was trying to go too quickly and left the ball behind him.

The foul, the bucket, and the chop from Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/PH0znrzTyM

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 31, 2025

• The Sixers’ defense looked shaky again to start. This time it was certainly more about containing the perimeter rather than rim protection. Payton Pritchard and Brown hunted their midrange jumpers and didn’t have a hard time beating Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. more often than not to get them. The two Celtics combined to start the game 11-of-14 from the floor.
• It’s hard to say if the Sixers’ offense was sloppier than normal, or if they just did not hit threes at the insane clip they have to start the season. There were a few dropped passes and choppy dribbles, but four turnovers isn’t insanely high for a quarter. They shot 3-of-9 from beyond the arc while Boston made three in the final two minutes of the quarter. That discrepancy helped the Sixers fall into a 13-point hole after one.

Second Quarter​

• Despite the first unit mostly being on the floor, the Sixers couldn’t get their offense out of that rut, allowing the Celtics lead to keep growing quickly. Trendon Watford drove for a nice open layup on one of his first touches but even that didn’t fall. Quentin Grimes gave a big fist pump when he finally got a jumper to fall after missing his first four shots of the night.
• If there was one positive to be found in this disaster of a half, it looked like there were a couple moments Embiid looked more confident in his movements. He was finally able to step out and deny someone’s shot. A few moments later he lost the ball on the drive again, but was ready to throw it down and still jumped and hung on the rim. That didn’t stop the Celtics though from running up and down the floor to push their lead to 20.
• The Sixers did have a spark in them, and who would else would it come from but their first-round rookie. Edgecombe had a six-point sequence when he shook Pritchard for a stepback three, then had a very exciting and-1 in transition. Andre Drummond, who came on in place of Adem Bona in the second, hit a corner three despite the crowd’s dismay. A couple successful drives from Oubre and the Sixers had cut the lead to 11 at the break.

VJ Edgecombe heating up here with a silky smooth triple and a three-point play on the following possession pic.twitter.com/6b2QyOcZ36

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) November 1, 2025

Third Quarter​

• The Sixers came out of the half looking drastically different again, but this time it was a good thing. Embiid continued to look more comfortable, getting all the way to the basket for a drive. It was also maybe the most he tested himself on blocks. He got all the way back for a chase down block on Derrick White. A few moments later he got up to block a Neemias Queta dunk, but Queta was able to get around him and lay it in. Their perimeter defense looked better as well, with Maxey and Oubre flying around creating deflections for fast breaks.
• It was also refreshing to see Embiid be able to use different speeds. He hit Queta with a euro step that looked like slow motion, and drew an and-1 in the process. Maxey tied the game soon after with a floater. While he hasn’t quite hit 25 minutes in a game, it seems like the team is comfortable letting him go more than 20. That or Nick Nurse was just riding the hot hand as he played six and a half minutes to start the half. Again it was Drummond who relieved him rather than Bona.

JOEL EMBIID. pic.twitter.com/A46IZpTgAF

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) November 1, 2025

• Eventually the bench had to shuffle in for the Sixers, and unlike the starters they did not appear to shake off a rough first half. Grimes was less involved after many unsuccessful iso attempts in the first half. Justin Edwards couldn’t buy a basket, starting the game 1-of-5, and couldn’t seem to keep the ball moving either way. He had a pair of nervous turnovers, just trying to move too fast without an end in mind. Boston was able to get back up by seven at the end of the third.

Fourth Quarter​

• Funny enough, it felt like most of the Sixers’ blocks on the night came on jumpers. Maxey had a couple big ones earlier, and his buddy Watford had one to help them start the fourth on the right note. Bona checked back in at the start of the quarter too, and it didn’t take long for him to pick up a couple more traditional blocks. Their sloppiness continued though, and a couple turnovers made sure that the offense couldn’t take advantage.

ADEM BONA, OH MY GOODNESS. pic.twitter.com/OGs56Rz2M7

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) November 1, 2025

• The full boundaries of that restriction were pushed as Embiid checked back in with seven and a half minutes to go, already having played 17 and a half minutes. Even the most well-oiled parts of this team weren’t free from mistakes as Maxey missed a pocket pass to Embiid which sailed out of bounds, and the Sixers were unable to make any progress on Boston’s lead.
• With the Celtics looking to put it away, Maxey, Grimes and Oubre all hit threes to pull the game back within two possessions. Edgecombe hit one with 51 seconds remaining to pull it within two. Brown drew a foul on the following possession, but split his pair. Maxey went for a layup to make it a one-point game.
• In the process of trying to take time off the clock, Brown picked up an offensive foul with 11 seconds left. The Sixers went to Maxey in the backcourt, who tried to get down for a quick floater that didn’t fall. Josh Minnot was fouled with 3.8 seconds left and missed both, Embiid securing the rebound. With one more chance, the Sixers went to Grimes who got into trouble quickly. He was able to swing it to Embiid, somehow with time left, but the long three didn’t fall, and the Sixers will not in fact, go undefeated.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...s-recap-tyrese-maxey-joel-embiid-vj-edgecombe