If you are sitting waiting for your significant other to complete a purchase, or are simply standing in line at the checkout, you have a couple of minutes to get updated on the latest and greatest news about your beloved Philadelphia 76ers. So here you go:
The Sixers sit at 0-16 following their loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, but that was not the only place where a Sixer lost it . After the game, center Jahlil Okafor was caught on video engaged in a fracas with some unruly Boston fanatics outside of a nightclub. While there is far too few facts known about the event, there is plenty to ask logical questions regarding the time place and wisdom of Sixers players finding themselves outside of a nightclub while in the midst of a grueling road trip.
Here’s all the Black Friday morning news you need to know about the Sixers:
Jahlil Okafor caught on video punching man in Boston street fight – Mike Sielski, Philadelphia Inquirer Columnist
"76ers rookie center Jahlil Okafor was involved in a fight outside a Boston nightclub early Thursday morning, according to a video obtained and published by the website TMZ.com.In the video, Okafor – who stands 6-foot-11, weighs 271 pounds, and turns 20 on Dec. 15 – is seen shouting at several individuals, then shoving a man to the ground. After at least one person tries to restrain him, Okafor punches a man who appears to be the same individual he had pushed, knocking him to the pavement again. In an email to The Inquirer, a Sixers spokesman said: “We are aware of the report, and we are currently working to gather additional information. Until that time, we will have no further comment.”"
76ers-Rockets Preview – Sport Illustrated Staff Writer
"As poorly as the Houston Rockets have fared lately, their next opponent has already endured much worse this season. The Philadelphia 76ers will try to avoid hitting another new low Friday night with the longest losing streak in U.S. major professional sports history. With 26 consecutive defeats dating back to March 27, Philadelphia tied a record established by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1976-77 for the second time in three seasons. The 76ers’ other 26-game skid was from Jan. 31-March 27, 2014.“How many streaks have I been a part of?” said coach Brett Brown, whose tenure began in 2013-14. “I’m numb to it.”The 76ers (0-16) have blown fourth-quarter leads in each of their last three defeats and squandered an 11-point advantage in Wednesday’s 84-80 loss to Boston, scoring three points in the final 6:15.“It is hard,” forward Nerlens Noel said. “You’re so close to getting that first W. There’s couple of plays that you’ve got to sleep on.”Philadelphia is also on the verge of matching its franchise-worst 0-17 start from last season and two losses shy of equaling the New Jersey Nets’ league-worst 0-18 mark in 2009-10. The 76ers, in the midst of a six-game trip that ends Sunday, have lost 14 straight on the road and are 0-9 this season."
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets Preview – USA Today staff writer
"The Philadelphia 76ers will be on the verge of another ugly milestone when they visit Houston on Friday in a matchup of team teams desperate for a victory. The 76ers blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in a loss at Boston on Wednesday, their NBA record-tying 26th straight defeat dating to last season, which also pulled them within two of the worst start in league history.TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Houston)ABOUT THE 76ERS (0-16): Head coach Brett Brown has been toying with lineup changes, particularly as they relate to Noel, who came off the bench at the beginning of Philadelphia’s six-game road trip and has struggled since returning to the starting lineup. Noel had one field goal in seven attempts in 34 minutes of the loss at Boston and is averaging 7.9 points over a nine-game span. Brown has shown signs of splitting up Noel and rookie center Jahlil Okafor in certain situations, telling the Philadelphia Inquirer he has “never coached more moving parts in my life.”"
76ers supporting Jahlil Okafor after physical altercation in Boston – Josh Wilson, Fansided.com and co-editor of TheSixerSense.com
"Jahlil Okafor is not receiving any legal punishment from the Boston police department, or blame or punishment from his team.Jahlil Okafor has been the subject of lots of unfortunate media attention recently. On Thanksgiving, the rookie center of the Philadelphia 76ers had a video published by TMZ of him being involved in a street fight outside of a night club in Boston. This followed a tough loss for the team to the Boston Celtics.Although this situation is still fairly new, and the facts and details have not all been released, the Sixers have put out some vague information on the situation. While some fans are worried that this is going to be a huge deal for Okafor and the team’s season, it doesn’t look as if it’s going to be a huge problem.Chris Broussard of ESPN reported that a source close to the team says the organization is supportive of him.“The Sixers are supporting him. They’re not blaming him. If they have to discipline, it still won’t sully him in their eyes.”This situation is an unfortunate one for the young Okafor, who is only 19 years old at the moment. The Sixers are currently winless through 16 games, and are very close to setting a record for most consecutive regular season losses. To have his team’s support behind him, though, even in a screw up like this, is very important."