The hype surrounding the 76ers' final preseason game drew fans to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday night, where the focus was less on the outcome and more on seeing the team's new-look lineup take the court.
One of the biggest attractions was LeBron James, who was announced for the first time as a member of the 76ers.
For fan Joe Cacchione of Wyomissing, it was a moment he never expected to see.
"For him to be playing for the Sixers right now feels like a dream," Cacchione said.
Fans got what many described as their best look yet at a revamped roster during the preseason matchup against the Boston Celtics.
"It's just kind of a new era. It's just exciting to see all the new players coming in and how they're going to be an asset to our city," said Eric Schreiber of Glenolden.
Expectations for the season are high among the fan base.
"I expect a championship, but you never know," said Christian Cacchione of Reading.
Justin Procope of Old City said a key factor remains Embiid's availability.
"The big thing is Embiid's health; if he can stay healthy, I think we have a lot of potential," Procope said.
Fans believe the team has the potential to become one of the NBA's most-watched clubs this season, fueled in part by James' arrival. Friday's exhibition ended with a close 76ers overtime loss, but many fans said the final score was secondary to seeing how the team performed together and whether signs of chemistry were developing.
"It looked good to me. LeBron looked awesome; he was passing the ball great, Embiid looked unstoppable," said Michael Liebtag of Abington.
Fans now turn their attention to the regular-season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
"We were a title contender when we got Jaylen Brown before LeBron came, but then LeBron's just that piece that takes it over the top," Procope said.
The 76ers will open the regular season at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday before returning to Philadelphia for their home opener on Thursday.