Are the Sixers… fun again?
Well, through three games, they sure have been. The Sixers are now 3-0 after Monday’s 136-124 win against the Magic, and their new backcourt has been absolutely electric. So electric,
in fact, that Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have combined to score more points than any starting backcourt through the first three games of a season over the last half century.
On Tuesday, the Sixers’ energy will be tested as they head on the road to complete their first back-to-back of the season, taking on the 1-2 Wizards.
As for availability against Washington, of course the Sixers couldn’t stay fully healthy for long. These are still your Philadelphia 76ers after all, no matter how high the vibes are right now. It’s not surprising that Joel Embiid hasn’t played the team’s first back-to-back of the season, which will be the plan this year, as he sat out against the Magic on Monday due to load management. We’ll have to wait until nearer game time on Tuesday to get an injury report for his official status, but according to Ramona Shelburne, this is the plan and he’s expected to play against Washington.
Dominick Barlow also required a procedure and is sidelined for now after suffering a bad cut to his elbow, and we’re likely still waiting a bit longer to see Paul George’s season debut, too.
As for the rest of the Sixers, though? Well, they’ve been pretty terrific so far.
After not quite taking another jump forward last season and seeing his shooting efficiency drop, Maxey looks eager to make a leap this year. He looks like an All-NBA player again as he did in 2023-24, and even more comfortable getting wherever he wants on the floor, manipulating defenders with his changes of pace, and scoring at all three levels. Maxey’s already dropped 40+ points twice, making a league-leading 5.0 three-pointers per game, and is averaging 37.0 points and 7.7 assists with a lights-out 62.2 true shooting percentage. You can’t really lead the team much better than that.
Edgecombe couldn’t have done any more to put together a better first three games either. Apart from how effectively he’s been slashing through the paint and flying to the rim as a finisher, confidently firing from three, and competing on defense, his midrange creation and playmaking have really stood out as better than expected. He’s been so composed when handling the ball, not rushing his decisions or forcing passes until a roll man or kick-out option are open.
All in all, Edgecombe is averaging 25.0 points on 50/40/75 shooting splits, 5.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.7 blocks and just 2.0 turnovers through three games. That’s how you arrive in the NBA. He should have a good chance to keep building on this against the Wizards’ limited perimeter defense.
And when Edgecombe and Maxey combine for sequences like this, making plays at both ends of the floor, their potential really does seem sky high.
Others have been doing their thing, too. Quentin Grimes wasn’t needed as much against the Magic with only eight field goal attempts (although he still hit three triples), but his 24-point night and game-winning three against Charlotte was huge. Kelly Oubre Jr. is yet again defending well, playing with a high motor, working hard on the boards, and is in a nice rhythm with his jumper to average 18.0 points (with 25 against Orlando) through the first three games. Andre Drummond looks fresher than last season and has done a great job on the glass as you’d hope, especially as he hauled in 13 rebounds (including six key offensive rebounds) in only 16 minutes against Charlotte.
Up-tempo sequences like those below are starting to give this team a new energy and identity.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are coming off a one-sided 139-113 loss to the Hornets on Sunday. Washington looks pretty different this season, especially in the backcourt. They’ve added CJ McCollum (who’s struggled through 33.3 percent shooting through the first three games), while Jordan Poole was dealt to the Pelicans and Malcolm Brogdon left in free agency and has since retired.
After the Wizards ranked dead last in offense and 28th in defensive rating last season, it’s hard to see much improvement coming their way, but they do at least have some bright young talent to build around with guys like Alex Sarr. Seeing how the 20-year-old center performs on Tuesday and through 2025-26 overall after his strong rookie season will be interesting to watch.
The sophomore Kyshawn George has had two big games in the Wizards opening three contests too, with 21 points in the season opener followed by 34 points on 11-of-15 shooting (including a red-hot 7-of-9 mark from three) in the team’s one win so far against Dallas. That may be unsustainable, but if George can benefit from more on-ball touches and usage as a creator this season, he may be able to make a pretty big jump this year.
There’s a lot to enjoy with these undefeated Sixers right now — from star guard play to contributions of their role players. Let’s see if they can keep the good vibes rolling with another win against what should be a beatable Wizards squad.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
