The Philadelphia 76ers are set to take the court on Halloween night, aiming to secure their first victory in the NBA Cup group stage against the Boston Celtics. Having opened the regular season just over a week ago in Boston, the Sixers have experienced a whirlwind of excitement, marked by remarkable performances from rookie VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as one of the league’s top scorers.
Tonight’s match holds greater significance than just fan morale; it marks the beginning of the NBA Cup competition, a coveted trophy that many in Philadelphia have longed to see their team claim. The Sixers enter this stage alongside the Celtics, Nets, Pistons, and Magic, with group winners and a wild card from each conference advancing to the knockout rounds.
The team is coming off a strong victory earlier in the week, maintaining a solid roster despite three players still unavailable. Encouragingly, all players except for Dominick Barlow participated in Thursday’s practice, hinting at a full lineup in the near future.
For Boston, the season has been a rocky start at 2-3, though they recently shifted their fortunes with wins over New Orleans and Cleveland. A key change was the promotion of Josh Minott into the starting role, contributing significantly with impressive point and rebound totals in those victories. Tonight’s game will be critical for the Celtics as they look to build momentum.
As for the Sixers, Maxey continues to dazzle, leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 37.5 points per game. His explosive performance from earlier in the season remains a highlight, showcasing his potential to dominate games. Meanwhile, Edgecombe’s debut, where he scored 34 points, set a new standard for rookie performances since Wilt Chamberlain, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Philadelphia finds itself favored by three points in this contest, fueling optimism among fans. The atmosphere in the arena is expected to be electric, filled with Halloween decorations that add to the excitement of the NBA Cup.
Game details are as follows: the matchup is scheduled for Friday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with coverage available on Prime Video and radio on 97.5 The Fanatic.
As Halloween unfolds, fans are hopeful that the Sixers will deliver more treats than tricks, propelling them closer to their dream of cup glory.