News Article
Published
Oct 23, 2026 at 05:41 PM EDT
Things are going well so far for the Philadelphia 76ers in the very early stages of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Joel Embiid, LeBron James and company opened the campaign with a road win against the defending-champion New York Knicks, before pulling off an historic comeback at home versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Will the good times last for the Sixers' loaded team, which also includes former longtime Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey and second-year guard VJ Edgecombe?
One anonymous NBA scout told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that he sees trouble looming in the City of Brotherly Love, particularly with Embiid.
"I think it's going to be a problem, and that could railroad them," the scout said, per MacMahon. "I just don't buy it right now. He's going to want the ball more. He's going to get pissed. He's going to stop playing defense. He's going to stop running."
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It was reported on Tuesday, hours ahead of Philadelphia's victory against New York, that both Embiid and James would have their minutes restricted to open the campaign.
That hasn't been the case yet for the oft-injured Cameroonian big man, as Embiid played 33 minutes versus the Knicks and 34 minutes against the Cavaliers.
The 2023 NBA MVP struggled in the first half of Thursday's contest, before turning it around after the break and finishing with 24 points, which were second highest on the team only behind Maxey.
That came after Embiid scored just 13 points in the season-opener, though he also had 11 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
The NBA regular season is still in its infancy but one thing is for certain. The 76ers are going to be one of, if not the most interesting team in the league to follow this winter.