The Sixer Sense
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Highlights of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2018-19 schedule

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 6: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during foul shots at the Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons;LeBron James
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 6: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during foul shots at the Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons;LeBron James /
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Breaking down the most important aspects of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2018-19 schedule.

The NBA released its full 2018-19 schedule Friday afternoon, revealing all 82 games for the Philadelphia 76ers. As expected, the Sixers will be one of the most nationally televised teams in the country.

With 27 national T.V. games (ABC, ESPN, TNT), the Sixers have the fourth-highest total in the NBA, trailing only the Lakers (32), Warriors (28) and Rockets (28). They will also have 12 games on NBA TV, bringing the total to 39.

Like last season, the Sixers have winnable stretches interspersed with more difficult ones. This 13-game gauntlet between January and February will provide quite the challenge for Brett Brown’s squad.

With the Sixers’ rise to relevancy comes several marquee games. The Sixers and Celtics open the season with an 8 PM E.T. game on opening night, Oct. 16, giving fans a vintage (and renewed) rivalry to start the campaign. At 5:30 PM on Christmas Day, the same matchup goes down.

The Sixers’ home opener is two days after the Celtics game, facing the TNT Bulls at 8 PM on Oct. 18.

To end the month of October, the Sixers will face the Kawhi Leonard-led Raptors on Oct. 30, pitting them against a division rival and potential playoff foe. We haven’t seen a healthy Kawhi in over a year.

Nov. 16 marks the Sixers’ first game against Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz, and entertaining matchup with some juicy storylines stemming from the 2018 Rookie of the Year debate. Who won that again?

One month later, on Dec. 16, the Sixers will have their first game against LeBron James and the Cav– oh wait, never mind. The Sixers play the Celtics on Christmas, as mentioned before.

The Sixers will have a primetime MLK Day game, facing James Harden, Chris Paul and the Rockets on Jan. 21 at 8 PM.

Then, on Jan. 29, comes LeBron James and the new-look *checks notes* Lakers. That game will be in L.A., on national T.V., and irritatingly late at night. Thanks, west coast.

Two days later, on Jan. 31, the Sixers take the trip up to Oakland to face the reigning champs. Again on national T.V., again late at night, and again against a very talented west coast team.

For comparison’s sake, here are the Sixers’ final 16 games in the 2018-19 season: vs. IND, vs. CLE, vs. SAC, @ MIL, @ CHA, vs. BOS, @ ATL, @ ORL, vs. BKN, @ MIN, @ DAL, @ ATL, vs. MIL, @ CHI, @ MIA, vs. CHI.

Whether or not it’s comparable to last season is up for debate, but the Sixers will end the season with another winnable stretch. Hopefully that aids their push for higher playoff seeding.

Next. Way-too-early picks for the Sixers' October games. dark

You can see the full schedule at NBA.com, or check out the Sixers’ Twitter feed.