Photo by Kasey Shamis | The Triangle

Earlier this month, the Sixers began their 2025 preseason games. These games have given us a glimpse into how this season may play out for Philadelphia. 

Key Takeaways from the first 3 Sixers Preseason games:

On Tyrese Maxey: Tyrese Maxey is doing Maxey things. Despite playing with minutes restrictions due to Coach Nick Nurse’s decision, he is still an at-ease scorer. His playmaking and scoring ability have been on full display thus far. It is important for us to keep watching Maxey, as he is going into his 6th year in the Association. His role on the team this year is more important than ever: Joel Embiid’s impending steps back to the court remain in unclear waters.

On Dominick Barlow: Dominick Barlow is showing glass cleaning capabilities. Despite the three losses, we have seen Barlow play as a true glass cleaner, mixed in with some playmaking, as we saw last game. With Barlow showing some flashes of greatness, Philadelphia looks to have two commanding paint-beasts off the bench: Andre Drummond and Barlow. It is important to note that Barlow is on a two-way contract, so if his standard of play does not continue into the new league year, he can be assigned to the Sixers’ affiliate team in the G-League, the Delaware Blue Coats. Regarding the centers’ depth, Adem Bona is also a rotation piece going into his second season, so the development of Bona could be crucial in the Sixers’ push for excellence this season.

On Kennedy Chandler: We saw an emergence from a former Tennessee Volunteer, Kennedy Chandler. We have seen flashbacks to his scoring bag from college hoops. Having played only garbage minutes for Memphis during the 2022-2023 NBA season, it is essential to keep tabs on Chandler, as he is a nice rotational piece for Coach Nurse to play around with throughout the season. Chandler however, is currently on an Exhibition 10 contract, meaning he is with the Sixers until the end of preseason. If the team extends an offer, Chandler can remain a new emergent player within Nurse’s system.

Recap from all three games: 

In Game 1 vs. the Knicks, we saw Maxey and the rookie, VJ ‘The Generator’ Edgecombe, lead the team in scoring, with Maxey on slightly better efficiency. On the glass for the Sixers, Barlow had 10 boards, and Maxey had a team-leading four assists.

In Game 2 vs. the Knicks, we saw Maxey as the Sixers’ top scorer with 16, while Kennedy Chandler and Malcolm Hill had 15 points each on immaculate efficiency. Leading rebounder was Drummond with 11, and the team’s top assist was Chandler with six.

In Game 3 vs. the Magic, Maxey led the team in scoring with 17, while Chandler finished the game with 16 points. The team’s leading rebounder was Barlow again with nine boards, and the joint leading-assistors were Barlow and Justin Edwards with both five assists.

Other Headlines:

On Joel Embiid: It is great news for Sixers fans worldwide that Joel Embiid has recently become a full participant in practice, most recently participating in a Blue vs. White scrimmage. As his load piles up again, it is crucial to await the news on his possible return for the season opener against the Boston Celtics. Nurse has not yet ruled him out of the final preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On Paul George: Paul George’s most underwhelming season statistically ended after being ruled out for the year with a cocktail of injuries, such as a hyperextended left knee, a bone bruise, a quad tendon injury, a torn adductor, and a left pinky finger injury, in March of this past season. There is no doubt that George needs to find his groove, similar to his MVP-caliber year back in the 2018-2019 season, or his future continues to be in jeopardy in Philadelphia.

On Jared McCain: After being ruled out back in January for the season with a torn meniscus, the promising rookie has made a great recovery. Shortly after the retro-jersey reveal for this upcoming season a few weeks ago, it was revealed that he has a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout on Sept. 25. Another unfortunate injury to grace the Sixers’ squad. He has been expected to miss the beginning of the season. I can say on behalf of all Sixers fans that we continue to severely miss him from the court, but another setback for an even greater season, right?

On Hip-Hop’s return: This season, the Sixers are going all out with nostalgia, bringing back their old retro mascot, Hip-Hop. The high-flying acrobatic rabbit, who was a staple of the Iverson era, is back sharing mascot duties with Franklin the Dog for a few select games. It is a throwback move that makes total sense with the return of the iconic black jerseys and court from that legendary 2001 Finals team. For fans who grew up watching the insane dunks of a dude in a rabbit suit, it is a chance to get a piece of their childhood back.

On VJ Edgecombe: The highly anticipated rookie from Baylor, VJ Edgecombe, who was taken with the third overall pick in the draft, has already flashed his athletic prowess and two-way potential in the preseason, even amidst a minor hip soreness setback. With the Sixers’ backcourt facing injuries and uncertainties, the Bahamian guard is quickly emerging as a dynamic player who could see significant minutes right out of the gate, perhaps even vying for a starting spot on the perimeter.
The Sixers have one more preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves before their first game in Boston against the Celtics on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd. Their home opener will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25th, versus the Charlotte Hornets.