The days of the Sixers being a fixture on the NBA’s biggest stages — opening night and Christmas Day — appear to be over.
We’ve gotten leaks on slates for both of the tentpole days and your Sixers (unsurprisingly) have been left off.
Again, none of this comes as a surprise.
Joel Embiid had another arthroscopic procedure done on his knee and there’s nothing resembling a clear timeline for his return. Same goes for Paul George, who underwent an arthroscopic procedure last month. We’re expected to get some form of update by training camp, but that obviously leaves the door open for both former All-Stars to miss camp and possibly the beginning of the season.
Oh, and the team won 24 games last season.
The rose-colored glasses way to look at things is there are little expectations for the Sixers this season. Guys like Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe can simply play free every night. We know that trio and the other young players on the Sixers will compete every night and there is talent there. Who knows how good they’ll be with Embiid and George likely missing time, but there is potential for them to be fun.
The NBA is expected to announce the complete 2025-26 schedule on Thursday.
The matchups that will occur on opening night should be intriguing. It will also be interesting to see the NBC and Peacock broadcasts. Are we looking at a hot-take fest like ESPN or will the folks at NBC actually talk about the game of basketball? How does Michael Jordan, who’s stayed out of the analyst game in his post-career, factor into everything?
Play some Roundball Rock and let’s toss it up.