Philadelphia plays at Brooklyn on October 8, then at Boston on October 10, with a return Celtics game at home October 16 before the regular-season opener. Seven Sixers remain unresolved for this stretch with specific injuries and target return dates, and Ariel Hukporti is out for the season after a torn Achilles.
What's on the schedule this week?
Philadelphia plays at Brooklyn on October 8, then at Boston on October 10, both preseason and both on the road. The Celtics series continues at home on October 16, three preseason meetings before the Sixers open the regular season at the Knicks on October 20 on NBC and Peacock.
Why is Brooklyn the lesser test?
Brooklyn went 20-62 last season with a -10.0 net rating, a 118.2 defensive rating and a 97.6 pace, the slowest mark in this stretch. Julius Randle averaged 21.1 points and Michael Porter Jr. 24.2, but a defense that bad won't tell Philadelphia much about itself in October.
Why does Boston matter more?
Brooklyn hosts the Sixers once this week, but Boston shows up twice, October 10 and October 16, and it carries real history - the rivalry that ended Philadelphia's run in the 1984-85 conference finals, now sharpened by Jaylen Brown facing the team he played for before this summer's trade brought him to Philadelphia.
Who's actually available this week?
Seven Sixers carry specific injury tags rather than clearances. Simons, Maxey, Embiid, James and Bona are all listed with an estimated return of October 8, Barlow the same date for a back issue, and Fall isn't expected back until October 16 for a hip and torso problem. Hukporti is out for the season after a torn Achilles.
Does either team have a scheduling edge?
Philadelphia arrives with two days of rest and one road game in this stretch; Brooklyn has one day of rest and stays home, with no road games in this stretch. Neither team is on a back-to-back, and both have played just once in the past seven days, so rest isn't the deciding factor here.
Is the Sixers-Nets game on TV?
The October 8 game at Brooklyn is not listed with a broadcast partner on the schedule. The October 10 trip to Boston airs on NBA TV.
When do the Sixers open the regular season?
October 20 at the Knicks, airing on NBC and Peacock.
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