We are approaching Sixers Media Day and the start of training camp in less than five weeks, and it’s clear that the Sixers have finalized their roster for their upcoming stay in The Bahamas, with 14 players on NBA contracts. Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has announced that they will keep their final roster spot open to maintain flexibility.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming season, it’s essential to analyze the competition that the Sixers will face. In our new series, Sixers Ties, we will explore the connections between the Sixers and each of the other 29 NBA teams, shedding light on matchups and anecdotes.
Let’s kick things off by spotlighting the teams in the Atlantic Division, including two formidable opponents and two in rebuilding phases:
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have set the standard in the Eastern Conference and the NBA, following their impressive 64-win season and NBA Finals victory. To challenge the Celtics, Joel Embiid must shine while stars like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George must step up. The Celtics roster includes former Sixers Jrue Holiday and Al Horford, adding intriguing storylines to the matchups.
New York Knicks
The Knicks, who knocked the Sixers out of the playoffs last season, continue to be a significant threat. Their acquisition of Mikal Bridges and former Sixers point guard Cam Payne adds to their strength. A crucial matchup to watch is on Nov. 12 when the Knicks visit Philadelphia for a Group Play showdown.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are in a rebuilding phase after key departures. They have young stars like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, who played alongside Tyrese Maxey at Kentucky. The Raptors signed Quickley to a massive deal, showcasing the rising value of these young talents.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets, in a rebuilding process after trading Mikal Bridges, have added players like Shake Milton and Nic Claxton to their roster. While the Nets may not pose an immediate threat, they hold future assets from the Ben Simmons trade that could impact the Sixers down the line.
As we gear up for an exciting NBA season, keep an eye on these matchups and storylines that will shape the Sixers’ journey. Follow us on Twitter for more updates!
Follow Adam on Twitter: @SixersAdam
Follow PhillyVoice on Twitter: @thephillyvoice