Edgecombe gave the Sixers a three-point lead by converting two free throws with 14.1 seconds left. He went 0 for 2 on his next trip to the foul line, keeping the door open for a Celtics game-winner, but the Sixers got the stop to ensure his fantastic debut was victorious.

From tip-off, the New Jersey native battled the Celtics in the front court, recording eight rebounds and a blocked shot. Moreover, Barlow would end the night with 13 points to his name, along with five assists, showing that he's able to do it on both ends of the court.

The Sixers turned TD Garden — the site of many a crushing loss — into the place where they celebrated a hard-fought, 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics. Afterward, players were amazed to learn that the last time the Sixers started 1-0 was during the 2021-22 season.

V.J. Edgecombe, the Philadelphia 76ers ' third overall pick in this year's draft, showed how ready he was to play at this level, as he tallied 34 points to break the franchise record for most points scored in an NBA debut, surpassing Allen Iverson's 30.

Everyone is seemingly focused on the Sixers' downside heading into the year, but their upside can't be ignored either.

The 2025-26 Sixers regular season officially begins in a matter of hours, with the Sixers in Boston getting set to take on a new-look Celtics team. For these Sixers, the hope is that Wednesday night will be the start of a drastic year-to-year turnaround, eliminating the poor taste in everyone's mouths after a nightmarish 24-58 campaign last season.

The 2025–2026 NBA season tips off this week. Every player starts with a clean slate, but a few are already standing out as early favorites for the league’s top

From Michael Jordan to Mike Tirico and Roundball Rock, NBC showed the impact it will have on NBA games this season.