Joel Embiid has dismissed the idea that any Philadelphia 76ers star must sacrifice their game as the team's new-look roster prepares for the NBA season opener. The reigning MVP made his stance clear after the Sixers' 120-125 overtime preseason loss to the Boston Celtics on October 16. Embiid, who scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds in that exhibition, believes the team's collection of talent can thrive without anyone taking a diminished role.
"I'm against the concept of sacrificing," Embiid stated after Friday's preseason finale. He elaborated on his philosophy for managing a roster that now includes blockbuster addition Jaylen Brown and free-agent signing LeBron James. "I think the way I explained it was you do what you do best, and we're going to support you." His comments directly address external questions about how the team will manage touches and offensive roles among its multiple All-Stars.
Tyrese Maxey, another homegrown star, also remains a central piece. The preseason provided the first extended look at how head coach Nick Nurse plans to deploy this group. While the October 16 loss showed some early kinks, the talent on display was undeniable. Embiid looked in midseason form, finishing with authority at the rim and controlling the paint.
The Sixers' preseason was a mixed bag, offering glimpses of high potential alongside expected growing pains. Their exhibition schedule included a 120-97 win over the New York Knicks on October 5, but also saw losses to the Brooklyn Nets (114-108 on October 8) and a heavy 144-106 defeat in Boston on October 10. The final tune-up against the Celtics on October 16 was the most telling, featuring the core group.
"We're not where we want to be yet," Brown admitted. "So that's just a part of it." LeBron James echoed that patient outlook, noting the team is still working on its rhythm just a couple of weeks into their time together.
The talking stops and the games count starting Tuesday, October 20. The Philadelphia 76ers open their 2026-27 campaign with a massive road test against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It will be the official debut of the new star quartet and a major early test for Nick Nurse's system.
Integrating high-usage players like James and Brown with existing stars Embiid and Maxey is the team's primary challenge. Nurse must find lineups that optimize defense and shooting around his core. The team's full preseason results and upcoming schedule are always available on our schedule page. The opener at MSG sets the stage for a season where expectations are championship-or-bust. How quickly the Sixers turn their immense talent into cohesive execution will define their early season.
