NBA opening night game thread: 76ers vs Celtics.

[Kblaze8855]

Harden supposedly going back to being the “real” Harden. Embiid looking for an mvp season likely salty about the last two. Brogdan in Boston.

Your boring ass doesn’t have anything better to do at 7:30.

[fourkicks44]

Maxey has had an amazing preseason. Averaging over 40 ppg per 36 min.

He has taken so many giant developmental leaps in the last two years and still continues to get better. It's hard to see where his ceiling is.

I strongly believe the Sixers success this season depends on him. I dunno how Doc is going to handle it offensively at this stage. They need to run regular possessions for him tho.

[hateraid]

I like the new depth in our back court as well. Trez gives them a whole new look off the bench. If Tobi continues to accept his role as an off ball scorer then we Haverford division in lock

[Jud]

Celtics will embarrass them

[90sgoat]

Maxey has had an amazing preseason. Averaging over 40 ppg per 36 min.


I bought in on Maxey in his rookie season.

Had great energy from the get go.

[Kblaze8855]

Its hard not to like Maxey. I wonder if the love affair people have that to some made him #2 over Harden turns into a “And I took that personally….” kinda motivation for James though. Doc supposedly is just letting him loose.

[Full Court]

Celtics will embarrass them

Sixers are the better team. Question is if they will choke or not.

[Sportal]

Harden supposedly going back to being the “real” Harden. Embiid looking for an mvp season likely salty about the last two. Brogdan in Boston.

Your boring ass doesn’t have anything better to do at 7:30.

Correct, but it's 12:30pm.

[Sportal]

I quite like those Celtics jerseys. See the wings on Tatum after that and-1. Man has been in the gym.

[Kblaze8855]

Williams always being hurt must suck so much for Celtic fans. He’s one of the few guys in the league who really stands out on defense. Not only is the team worse without him it’s less entertaining to watch. How many players in the league right now add watchability to their team without being scorers?

[Kblaze8855]

Took 3 minutes to wish I didn’t have to watch any more James Harden for a while. Harden was looking for his leg with his foot then comes down on him and it’s gonna be flagrant.

[Street Hunger]

Celtics up 9-6

[Sportal]

Took 3 minutes to wish I didn’t have to watch any more James Harden for a while. Harden was looking for his leg with his foot then comes down on him and it’s gonna be flagrant.

I find it hard to suggest that foot being way out there is within the realms of "not letting him land"...

[Kblaze8855]

Anyone Else still cringe every time Embiid comes flying through the air in traffic recklessly? Maybe he’s not as injury prone in reality as in my subconscious but I wince.

[Street Hunger]

He really needs to adapt his game and not make reckless moves

[Street Hunger]

I guess the Celtics should be considered the East favorite to return to the Finals?

[Smook A.]

Harden's looking good

[fourkicks44]

Anyone Else still cringe every time Embiid comes flying through the air in traffic recklessly? Maybe he’s not as injury prone in reality as in my subconscious but I wince.

My heart skips a beat every time and no doubt always will.

[90sgoat]

Doc didn't lose the locker room over his tranny pron preference?

Progressive:applause:

[Street Hunger]

Sixers don't seem to have much of a bench. In general I mean, not about this one game.

[Street Hunger]

Mid 2nd quarter, tied at 35

[Street Hunger]

Wonder how much Blake Griffin (now on Celtics) has left in the tank.

[Sportal]

Wonder how much Blake Griffin (now on Celtics) has left in the tank.

Pretty sure he emptied his tank into Lana Rhoades, no?

[Proctor]

Harden putting Smart to the floor and then near airballing a 3 is perfect.

Another season of nothing for them and I love it

[Street Hunger]

Haha oh was that him

[Street Hunger]

What are you guys think of the Celtics jerseys tonight

[Smook A.]

What a 3 by Harden holy shit

[SATAN]

Looks like it's gonna be another season of Spurs m8 melting down about James Harden.

He's been impressive.

[sdot_thadon]

Finally

[999Guy]

Still not sure Hardens first step is back to even 2021 level.

Couldn’t attack Tatum’s top foot at all.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Harden is the type of player that you appreciate if he's on your team. If he isn't... you do not.

[Kblaze8855]

I don’t know that I would like him on my team either. I’ve been tested a few times having guys I previously didn’t like traded to the bulls and I ended up hating them even more. Looking at you Larry Hughes….

[90sgoat]

I guess the Celtics should be considered the East favorite to return to the Finals?

I regret putting down Philly in the prediction thread already.

Embiid is just too much of a flopper.

[Smook A.]

I regret putting down Philly in the prediction thread already.

Embiid is just too much of a flopper.

It's only the first game of the season :lol

[90sgoat]

Trade Embiid/Harden, blow up the team and build around Maxey.

Maxey is a winner, runs like it matters.

Embiid and Harden are entitled.

[Wally450]

Tatum looks amazing offensively and defensively.

Brown seems to have improved his handles.

[90sgoat]

Tatum looks amazing offensively and defensively.

Brown seems to have improved his handles.

Tatum looks more and more like Durant.

[Real Men Wear Green]

I don’t know that I would like him on my team either. I’ve been tested a few times having guys I previously didn’t like traded to the bulls and I ended up hating them even more. Looking at you Larry Hughes….
His defensive effort would tick me off but he can score well enough that you justify it in your head and tell yourself defense is other people's job when he let's Tatum have a layup. I would hold my nose and make AllNBA arguments but my heart wouldn't be in it.

[Smook A.]

Tatum looks amazing offensively and defensively.

Brown seems to have improved his handles.

Both guys are so smooth

[Sportal]

Tatum looks amazing offensively and defensively.

Brown seems to have improved his handles.

Do you think they stay together after the Celtics tried to get Durant for Brown?

[Axe]

Ime not coaching and Cs are still in control of the game lmao.

[SlickRick]

Grant Williams trying to get paid fr.. looking like hes getting paid more than Draymond will lol.

[Pitbull]

Celtics are very deep

[Pitbull]

Doc Rivers getting out coached by a rookie coach

[Wally450]

Is it just me or is the broadcast a bit messed up? Like the audio is off from the video.

[90sgoat]

In the end, Embiid just doesn't give you enough effort on either side, prefers to try to be clever, instead of trying to be big and tough.

[SATAN]

Refs trying to keep 76ers in it.

[Proctor]

Is it just me or is the broadcast a bit messed up? Like the audio is off from the video.
Yeah, noticed that.


In the end, Embiid just doesn't give you enough effort on either side, prefers to try to be clever, instead of trying to be big and tough.
Indeed. Just like Harden...two losers.

[Pitbull]

Is it just me or is the broadcast a bit messed up? Like the audio is off from the video.

Which broadcast you on?

[Pitbull]

In the end, Embiid just doesn't give you enough effort on either side, prefers to try to be clever, instead of trying to be big and tough.

I think he needs a good coach to push him. How is Doc Rivers still in NBA should be the question?

[90sgoat]

I think he needs a good coach to push him. How is Doc Rivers still in NBA should be the question?

True.

Needs someone like Pop or J-Kidd.

I also thinks he needs to lose weight.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Is it just me or is the broadcast a bit messed up? Like the audio is off from the video.

I have the same problem. I think it's TNT but could be FiOS

[Wally450]

Which broadcast you on?

TNT


Also, Maxey is a little spark plug for the Sixers. Only dude who gives a damn tonight it seems.

[Axe]

Damn, tatum and brown combining for over half of their team's points itg.

[Proctor]

Something so nice about watching the Sixers never being able to beat the Celtics.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Do you think they stay together after the Celtics tried to get Durant for Brown?

He has done nothing to indicate he wants out. Celtics will still be elite when his contract comes up. So long as they offer him every dollar they can he should stay put.

[Axe]

I think he needs a good coach to push him. How is Doc Rivers still in NBA should be the question?
Embiid hasn't done anything significant under brett brown either.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Embiid needs a coach or lead guard that can get him to start in the paint. But if that's not how he himself wants to play there's not much anyone can do.

[90sgoat]

Embiid needs a coach or lead guard that can get him to start in the paint. But if that's not how he himself wants to play there's not much anyone can do.

Those last two possessions showed exactly how Embiid should and could be playing every game.

He is basically Shaq in this league, but he thinks he is Kevin Garnett or something.

Soft.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Calling him soft is ridiculous. A player isn't soft just because he takes jumpers. Embiid is not scared of Noah Vonleh.

[90sgoat]

Calling him soft is ridiculous. A player isn't soft just because he takes jumpers. Embiid is not scared of Noah Vonleh.

Everyone calling him soft, even RealGM.

He might not be "soft" like Chris Bosh was soft, but he is definitely up his ass and thinks he doesn't need to be physical to be effective.

Lazy might be the better description.

[Street Hunger]

Unsure what to make of Joel Embiid today

[fourkicks44]

How bout the Eagles and Phillies tho :oldlol:

Back to the drawing board, Doc.....

[999Guy]

His defensive effort would tick me off but he can score well enough that you justify it in your head and tell yourself defense is other people's job when he let's Tatum have a layup. I would hold my nose and make AllNBA arguments but my heart wouldn't be in it.
In all reality you wouldn’t be able to claim to be a fan of a team if you’d dislike 18-20 Harden on it. He was way too good at basketball, and in ways that have nothing to do with foul baiting. Shockingly good.

It would be a good psych test. Harden stunk in Brooklyn the entire time, compared to his Houston standard, and dumb NBA and Brooklyn fans were shocked at how much substance he brought to the game, just on a gravity and making teammates better level, beyond 40 PPG for months ability - and how rare his goodness was even in a league of stat stuffing.


The fact that you think you’d ever not like prime Harden on your team just tells you he was literally inconceivably good. But not literally inconceivably good compared to everyone ever or anything, just inconceivably good compared to how the average dumb fan who wouldn’t watch his peak games, or average analyst on TV who doesn’t give a **** would judge him.

You’d think peak Harden was Kyrie level, just based on hype and general talks around him.

[Xiao Yao You]

looks like the Sixers better call Ainge ASAP

[Real Men Wear Green]

looks like the Sixers better call Ainge ASAP

Last time they dealt with Ainge they ended up trading a perennial AllNBA player for the future sixth man of the Orlando Magic (when healthy). In Philly they do not say the name Ainge aloud for fear of invoking his malice. If they deal with him again they will lose Tyrese Maxey and somehow find themselves with Bill Wennington signed to the veteran's exception for the next 7 years.

[Xiao Yao You]

Last time they dealt with Ainge they ended up trading a perennial AllNBA player for the future sixth man of the Orlando Magic (when healthy). In Philly they do not say the name Ainge aloud for fear of invoking his malice. If they deal with him again they will lose Tyrese Maxey and somehow find themselves with Bill Wennington signed to the veteran's exception for the next 7 years.

could be worse than Wennington. Might end up with Clarkson! :roll:

[dbugz]

as usual, another L for embitch against his daddy tatum

[Im Still Ballin]

Boston just has Philly's number. Year after year. The Joel Embiid Sixers will always fall short. 5 seasons in and they still haven't made the ECF. They probably only have 3-4 seasons left of being a competitive team.

[Manny98]

"Big dog" :roll:

[90sgoat]

Boston just has Philly's number. Year after year. The Joel Embiid Sixers will always fall short. 5 seasons in and they still haven't made the ECF. They probably only have 3-4 seasons left of being a competitive team.

Embiid is just one of the most frustrating players.

When the game was lost, he showed what he can do, which is be an absolute bully in the low post, with quick spin moves and bully ball.

Doesn't want to do that, it's obvious, he'd much rather jab step and shoot a step back.

It's either lazy or soft, but you don't need a 7 foot 300lbs center for that, just get Porzingis.

Embiid has some decisions to make. He is not going to win a ring playing like this. Will he do what needs to be done?

[Mask the Embiid]

Embiid is just one of the most frustrating players.

When the game was lost, he showed what he can do, which is be an absolute bully in the low post, with quick spin moves and bully ball.

Doesn't want to do that, it's obvious, he'd much rather jab step and shoot a step back.

It's either lazy or soft, but you don't need a 7 foot 300lbs center for that, just get Porzingis.

Embiid has some decisions to make. He is not going to win a ring playing like this. Will he do what needs to be done?
They finally stopped triple teaming him and he mauled horford alive just like he would maul everyone else in the league one on one. Doc has to scheme better on how to beat these triple teams…. We have to get a new coach. Doc is not
“the guy”

Probably the worst healthy game embiid has played in the last 3 years vs a good team. On to the next one

[Airupthere]

So many losses against the Celtics over the years. Embiid must be getting numb to this by now. :oldlol:

[90sgoat]

They finally stopped triple teaming him and he mauled horford alive just like he would maul everyone else in the league one on one. Doc has to scheme better on how to beat these triple teams…. We have to get a new coach. Doc is not
“the guy”

Probably the worst healthy game embiid has played in the last 3 years vs a good team. On to the next one

That could be it, but Embiid is also to blame, because he doesn't move quick enough.

He isn't alone in that obviously, it's a generational thing, but he needs to pass the ball right back if he can tell that he's doubled, then move for a better position and get it back.

Of course that doesn't help when you have Harden who doesn't like to pass the ball:facepalm

[FultzNationRISE]

That could be it, but Embiid is also to blame, because he doesn't move quick enough.

He isn't alone in that obviously, it's a generational thing, but he needs to pass the ball right back if he can tell that he's doubled, then move for a better position and get it back.

Of course that doesn't help when you have Harden who doesn't like to pass the ball:facepalm

Yup. I was even pointing this out about Joker in the playoffs last year against GS. He was catching the ball too far from the basket and trying to back down Green who is stout and has a strong center of gravity. He needed to get deeper position and catch it closer to the rim IMO. Easier said than done obviously but I think youre right that bigs today play like guards so often they sometimes forget they can also do things guards cant. Catch it in deep, make one bully move and throw it down big fella. If you dont catch it in good position, kick it back out and repost.

[90sgoat]

Yup. I was even pointing this out about Joker in the playoffs last year against GS. He was catching the ball too far from the basket and trying to back down Green who is stout and has a strong center of gravity. Needed to be getting deeper position and catching the ball closer to the rim IMO. It’s obviously easier said than done but I think youre right that bigs today play like guards so often they sometimes forget they can also do things guards cant. Catch it in deep, make one bully move and throw it down big fella.

It's a shame, because those last moves from Embiid were like, damn this guy could be mini-Shaq if he just did that for 30 minutes a game.

I think you need a good coach to get through though, someone like Riley or Pops or maybe even J-Kidd.

And Embiid has to want to change, which he might not yet, because he's young and rich and that's enough.

[dbugz]

They finally stopped triple teaming him and he mauled horford alive just like he would maul everyone else in the league one on one. Doc has to scheme better on how to beat these triple teams…. We have to get a new coach. Doc is not
“the guy”

Probably the worst healthy game embiid has played in the last 3 years vs a good team. On to the next one

https://media1.tenor.com/images/d86c1aa1f7fb6fa4677f3f0d9d74d1fd/tenor.gif?itemid=14122067

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Proctor]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/d86c1aa1f7fb6fa4677f3f0d9d74d1fd/tenor.gif?itemid=14122067

:roll: :roll: :roll:
:oldlol:

[Manny98]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/d86c1aa1f7fb6fa4677f3f0d9d74d1fd/tenor.gif?itemid=14122067

:roll: :roll: :roll:
:roll:

[AirBonner]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/d86c1aa1f7fb6fa4677f3f0d9d74d1fd/tenor.gif?itemid=14122067

:roll: :roll: :roll:
:lol:

[RogueBorg]

Is it just me or is the broadcast a bit messed up? Like the audio is off from the video.

Yeah, my wife and I noticed that. The announcers were calling the shots being made a split second before going in. We were watching it on YouTube TV.

[Airupthere]

Yeah, my wife and I noticed that. The announcers were calling the shots being made a split second before going in. We were watching it on YouTube TV.

Same here. It was sometimes cool though as if they were calling it and getting it every time.

[tontoz]

Didn't take long for Mask the Embiid to take his first L. :oldlol: