NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

LeBron and Embiid Spark Excitement at 76ers Scrimmage

LeBron James and Joel Embiid showed early chemistry as 10,000 fans packed the arena for the Philadelphia 76ers' Blue and White scrimmage.

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A New Era in Philly

The Philadelphia 76ers gave fans their first look at a new look lineup on Saturday. Around 10,000 people packed Xfinity Mobile Arena for the team's annual Blue and White scrimmage. The event was moved from Delaware to Philadelphia to handle the massive crowd, with fans waiting in deep lines just to get inside.

LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joined franchise star Joel Embiid on the court. James called the event a great first step for the team as they prepare for the 2026 to 2027 NBA season.

Building Early Chemistry

The team did not keep an official box score, but the scrimmage showed how the new roster is coming together. Tyrese Maxey and Kentavious Caldwell Pope both set up James for easy alley oop dunks. Embiid also showed off his skills, blocking second year guard VJ Edgecombe and hitting a three pointer after a pass from James.

Embiid said the team will need strong backing from the city. He noted that it is hard to win as a group in its first year together, so they will need all the support they can get.

Healthy Embiid Impresses LeBron

Embiid looked noticeably slimmer during the scrimmage. He joked that his dunk during the game might be the last one of his career. James noted that Embiid looks much healthier than he did during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

James said Embiid has not missed a single practice during training camp. The coaching staff even had to force the big man to sit out at times when he wanted to keep playing.

Head coach Nick Nurse set the scoreboard to 80-80 at the start of each of the three ten minute quarters to practice end of game situations. The team will rest on Sunday before opening their preseason schedule.

What it means for the next game

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Mon, 05 Oct): Philadelphia 76ers win 22%, New York Knicks win 78%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 107, New York Knicks 116. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.

Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets (NBA, Thu, 08 Oct): Brooklyn Nets win 31%, Philadelphia 76ers win 69%; projected score Brooklyn Nets 109, Philadelphia 76ers 115. Our safest pick: 76ers +2.5.