The NBA made sure to put the new-look Philadelphia 76ers on the biggest stage to open the 2026-2027 NBA season. Opening night at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, who will raise their championship banner.
It's a rivalry game, so naturally, the Sixers are walking into a hostile environment. Seeing one of their rival teams celebrate its championship from last year might be hard to stomach. 76ers star Joel Embiid surely doesn't want to see it go down. He made that clear after the Sixers' preseason finale against the Boston Celtics.
"I don't really feel like watching that whole ceremony," Embiid told reporters. "Guess I'll be in the locker room." It's hard to blame the big man, but he should consider rethinking his plans. Obviously, everybody has their own technique in searching for motivation ahead of the season. LeBron James might hate-watch it. Joel Embiid should too.
Find an edge anywhere
It's understandable to think that the Sixers shouldn't be in a championship-or-bust mode because it takes years to build the proper chemistry to make it all come together. The Knicks are a prime example. They built their core through free agency and trade swings, but it took more than one season to see it all come together.
But the Sixers don't have enough time for all of that. LeBron James is supposed to be a needle-mover. He'll be 42 by playoff time, and could realistically leave the Sixers at the end of the season. And who knows where Joel Embiid's career goes from here after years of high usage and countless injuries. This year, they have a championship on their mind. If watching a rival raise a banner can fire a player up, then Embiid should take advantage.
Tuesday night marks the third time the Sixers will face a team that will raise its championship banner. It's the very first time that Joel Embiid will get to experience it. Wouldn't it be sweet to see it before spoiling it?
The Sixers should have revenge on the brain
Forget all the "there's nothing special about it" talk from Embiid. The 76ers went from riding the high of defeating the Boston Celtics in comeback fashion in round one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, just to get totally deflated against the Knicks, who swept the Sixers before going on to win a title.
Sure, it's just one of 82 games. Neither team can get too high or too low, but Joel Embiid should absolutely treat this moment as something bigger than what he suggests.
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