Week Ahead: Preseason Opens Against the Team That Keeps…

By the 76ers Nightly Desk · Sunday, October 4

Philadelphia is 0-0 and three preseason games from real reps with this roster: the Knicks on October 5, then road trips to Brooklyn on October 8 and Boston on October 10. None of it touches the standings, but it's the last look at this group before the October 20 opener — against the same Knicks.

76ers Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What's actually on the schedule this week?

Three preseason games, no back-to-backs. New York visits October 5 on NBA TV, then Philadelphia goes on the road to the Nets on October 8 and the Celtics on October 10, also on NBA TV. Three days of rest follow every game on this stretch for both sides.

Why does the Knicks game matter more than a normal preseason opener?

Because New York has ended the last two Sixers seasons — a first-round exit in 2024, a second-round sweep last season — and the real opener on October 20 is a rematch. October 5 is the first chance to see Brown and James next to Embiid and Maxey against the team Philadelphia has to get past.

What does New York bring that didn't exist last time these two teams met?

Not much has changed on paper. Jalen Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists last season for a 53-29 team that finished with a 6.4 net rating, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds and OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart filled out the same core under Mike Brown.

Who's out for this stretch?

Adem Bona is still unresolved — the same foot issue affecting his lower leg since mid-September, with no change logged. Tacko Fall was ruled out, then bumped back to questionable for a hip and torso problem on October 1, so he's not cleared but no longer officially out. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was cleared that same date and is good to go.

What's the one number worth tracking this week?

Defense. New York ran a 112.3 defensive rating last season against Philadelphia's 114.4, and Towns is the Knicks starter built to punish whoever ends up backing up Embiid if Bona isn't ready October 5.

The verdictNew York shows up twice in two weeks — preseason on October 5, the real opener on October 20 — and this stretch settles nothing but health. Caldwell-Pope is clear, Fall is trending back, and Bona is still the name to watch going into the first of those two meetings.

Does the preseason record count for anything?

No. The 76ers are 0-0 and preseason games don't change that; the number that matters starts October 20 at the Knicks.

Is Adem Bona playing against the Knicks on October 5?

Unconfirmed. He hasn't been cleared since mid-September, when a foot issue began affecting his lower leg, and October 5 — the Knicks game — is the date currently targeted for his return.