Friday evening proved to be a promising showcase for the 76ers, as several positive developments emerged during their final preseason tune-up before next week’s regular-season opener.
In front of a lively home crowd at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Sixers secured a win, but the final score was far from the night’s most important storyline. The headline was the long-awaited return of Joel Embiid, who took the court for the first time since February of last season before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee a few weeks later. While Embiid did see limited action during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage last Sunday, this preseason contest marked his first true test against outside competition. The performance served as another encouraging sign that the former MVP is progressing well in his recovery and regaining the form that made him one of the league’s most dominant players.
In 18 minutes and 35 seconds of game action, Embiid recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. He connected on both of his free throws, went 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, and shot 5-for-10 overall from the field. Most importantly, Embiid showed no visible discomfort with his left knee and made it through the game seemingly unscathed.
After the game, the two-time NBA scoring champion made it clear that his focus is on the future rather than the past. “I don’t want to really think about the past. I’m just in a good space mentally, physically. … I’m just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play basketball and do what I love,” Embiid said.
Head coach Nick Nurse was impressed with his superstar’s performance, noting, “I thought he moved good, played good, shot it good, passed it good. … I didn’t see too many negatives out there.”
While Embiid’s health was the main storyline from Friday night’s contest, there were several other bright spots that gave Sixers fans plenty to be excited about.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in June’s draft out of Baylor, delivered an outstanding performance with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, and five steals in 34 minutes of play. His athleticism is apparent the moment he steps on the court, and when paired with the explosiveness of fellow guard Tyrese Maxey, who added 27 points and seven assists in just 30 minutes Friday night, the Sixers’ backcourt could be one of the most exciting storylines to watch this season.
Quentin Grimes, who was traded to Philadelphia in February, made his preseason debut and impressed with 22 points, five assists, and three steals in 26 minutes off the bench. Grimes recently signed a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to conclude his restricted free agency. In 28 games with the Sixers last season, he averaged 21.9 points and 4.5 assists.
Paul George, the other member of the Sixers’ “Big Three” alongside Embiid and Maxey, did not play and is expected to miss the team’s season opener on Wednesday in Boston against the Celtics. George, who signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with Philadelphia during the summer of 2024, underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in July. He appeared in just 41 games last season, averaging 16.2 points per game.
While George continues his recovery, a healthy Joel Embiid and the dynamic duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe should give 76ers fans plenty to be excited about as the 2025–26 NBA season officially gets underway.
The team’s home opener is set for next Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets. Fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 76ers T-shirt, courtesy of Independence Blue Cross, the sponsor of the team’s Opening Night.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.