NBA39 min ago1 minute read

Sixers Stars Play Heavy Minutes in Preseason Loss to Celtics

Joel Embiid scored 27 points, but Philadelphia dropped their preseason finale 125-120 against Boston as the team searches for rhythm.

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Embiid leads starters in final preseason game

The Philadelphia 76ers finished their preseason schedule on Friday night with a 125-120 loss to the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile arena. Head coach Nick Nurse gave fans their clearest look yet at the starting lineup. LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid all logged preseason highs in playing time, staying on the court well into the second half.

Starting guard V.J. Edgecombe missed the game for precautionary reasons. Embiid bounced back from a difficult performance against the Brooklyn Nets, where he scored six points and turned the ball over eight times. On Friday, he put up 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. He also threw down an emphatic dunk in the third quarter. Afterwards, Embiid smiled and said he thought he would never dunk again, adding that he felt possessed on the play.

Building rhythm and spacing on a star filled team

Embiid rejected the idea that anyone on the roster needs to sacrifice their role. He explained that players should do what they do best and support each other, stating that nobody has to take a backseat.

Even so, the group looked disjointed at times against Boston reserves. Jaylen Brown mentioned that bad spacing created turnovers, pointing out that the squad is not where it wants to be yet as players adjust to a new group with different styles. LeBron James shared similar thoughts, noting that the group is still working on rhythm and kinks a couple of weeks into the process.

What it means for the next game

The 76ers open the regular season on Tuesday against the New York Knicks.

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (NBA, Tue, 20 Oct): Detroit Pistons win 49%, Boston Celtics win 51%; projected score Detroit Pistons 111, Boston Celtics 110. Our safest pick: Celtics +9.5.

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (NBA, Tue, 20 Oct): New York Knicks win 64%, Philadelphia 76ers win 36%; projected score New York Knicks 118, Philadelphia 76ers 112. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.