Kofi Inkoom
The NBA is placing a significant emphasis on the exciting face-offs between MVP’s Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić, anticipating these matchups to be highly appealing for viewers. This was a prominent highlight upon the release of the 2023-24 schedule.
Alongside this, there are other noteworthy points related to the 76ers. Collectively, they highlight that regardless of James Harden’s presence, the Sixers led by Embiid maintain their status as a premier team in the league. This is evident from their extensive coverage with 29 games broadcasted on major networks like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, even amid the uncertainties surrounding Harden’s role within the team.
Riveting Center Showdown: Embiid vs. Jokic
Embiid and Jokić are not just the top two centers in the league, but arguably the best players overall. Embiid, the reigning MVP, and Jokić, the recent NBA Finals MVP, have sparked ongoing debates about who holds the title of the best. This season, fans will have the chance to form their own judgment during two nationally televised games.
On January 16, the Sixers will face the Nuggets at 7:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center (TNT). Another matchup will take place on January 27 with a 5:30 p.m. contest on ABC at Ball Arena. Nuggets fans might have something to say to Embiid, given his absence from the last season’s highly anticipated game in Denver.
In their previous meeting, Embiid demonstrated dominance with 47 points, 18 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a victory on January 28. The home crowd chanted “MVP” as Embiid showcased his skills, countering criticisms that he was overly focused on winning MVP honors compared to Jokić’s championship aspirations for Denver. Irrespective of their motivations, the league is counting on fan interest in their head-to-head battles.
Nick Nurse’s Homecoming to Toronto with the 76ers
The NBA didn’t offer Nick Nurse much leniency when it comes to his return to Toronto. Instead, the Sixers are scheduled to face the Raptors in Game 2 on October 28. It might have been more reasonable to have his encounter with his former team a couple of months into the season, allowing the focus to shift more toward the team’s current status rather than its previous coach.
Unfortunately for Nurse, who was let go by the Raptors in April, he won’t have that luxury. With a decade-long tenure in Toronto, the last five years as the head coach, he’s likely to face numerous questions about his time there during his first interaction with Toronto media since his departure. Despite the Raptors finishing 41-41 in the previous season, Nurse’s time in Canada was marked by success, including leading the team to the 2019 NBA championship in his debut season as head coach.
However, Nurse and Raptors president Masai Michael Ujiri didn’t always see eye to eye toward the end of his tenure. The factors contributing to his exit could become a prominent topic of discussion in both pre- and postgame interviews.
Favorable Early Season Schedule
The Sixers won’t be too concerned about starting the season with a lot of away games. After their initial matches against Milwaukee and Toronto on the road, they’ll enjoy eight of the following nine games at the Wells Fargo Center. They’ll begin with their home opener against Portland on October 29.
After a three-day break, the Sixers will face the Raptors on November 2, followed by matchups against Phoenix (November 4), Washington (November 6), and Boston (November 8). They’ll then head to Detroit on November 10 before a two-game home series against Indiana on November 12 and 14. Hosting the Celtics on November 15 will follow.
During this stretch, the Sixers can take advantage of their own surroundings and the support of their home crowd, particularly in challenging games against the Suns and Celtics. Notably, the five-game run from October 29 to November 8 will be their longest series of consecutive home games throughout the season.