Following a pair of preseason losses to the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi, the Sixers are back on home soil and will give Philadelphia fans a firsthand look at the bones of the 2025-26 roster as they host
Orlando in the newly cristened Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Although they’ve both participated in portions of practice this week, we do not expect either Joel Embiid or Paul George to take the floor tonight. Hopefully, that’s not a phrase we’ll need to use moving forward nearly as often as last season. Additionally, free-agent signing Trendon Watford also appears to be out after missing practice with a hamstring issue, and second-year guard Jared McCain remains out following thumb surgery.
Meanwhile, the most exciting notion of this preseason slate was getting to watch third overall pick VJ Edgecombe, who looks to be carving out a spot in the starting lineup for himself right out of the gate. However, reporting on Thursday stated the rookie is dealing with left hip soreness, and while it appears to be a minor issue, his status tonight is now up in the air. Given the Sixers’ injury track record with rookies (and everyone for that matter), poor VJ may need a metal plate inserted in his hip any day now.
The other new-ish development of note is the return to a Sixers uniform for Quentin Grimes, who did not travel overseas with the team in the wake of free agent contract negotiations coming down to the wire by way of his qualifying offer deadline. Nick Nurse hinted at using three-guard lineups including Grimes, and honestly, what else is he really to do with the guard depth on the roster? So that’s something to keep an eye on, although with McCain out and Edgecombe maybe joining him on the sidelines, it would appear to be less of a necessity this evening.
On the opposing sideline, tonight is the second preseason game for the Magic, who won, 126-118, Saturday night in Miami. Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner will both be sitting out this contest, listed as day-to-day with knee issues. We will, however, get to see Desmond Bane as part of Orlando’s starting lineup following the offseason trade to bring him over from Memphis for a package including four first-round picks. He scored nine points in just 13 minutes of his Orlando preseason debut. Meanwhile, 25th overall pick Jase Richardson played 24 minutes off the bench against the Heat, scoring 13 points.
The Sixers only have tonight and next Friday night against Minnesota remaining before the season begins in earnest in Beantown. Let’s see how much of tonight looks like dedicated preparation for the regular season, and how much is a true exhibition contest. Either way, hopefully Philadelphia can be on the right side of the scoreboard for the first time this preseason.
Game Details
When: Friday, October 10, 7:00 pm ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA TV
Follow: @LibertyBallers
