A former Sacramento Kings star believes the Philadelphia 76ers could "make noise" in the Eastern Conference after their victory over the Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse and star guard Tyrese Maxey evaluate Joel Embiid in his return against the Boston Celtics.

The Philadelphia 76ers started the season with a 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics despite Paul George and Jared McCain not playing. Tyrese Maxey erupted for 40 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe added a cool 34 for the highest scoring output in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959. This is the good news.

The Celtics have a lot to learn about themselves. It sounded clear to Mazzulla before their 117-116 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was likely even more clear to him after his team allowed 42 fourth-quarter points while blowing a double-digit lead.

Maxey was playfully pointing out that Edgecombe did miss two free throws at the end that left the door ajar for Boston to try and pull it out. Payton Pritchard missed at the buzzer as the Sixers escaped with the win. Edgecombe then shouted from across the locker room: "Chill!" as the two young guards shared a laugh.

Philly is without Paul George and Jared McCain due to injury, so having Embiid on the court is a big deal. But if he looks like this, it could be tough to watch at times. With the obvious caveat that we’re five minutes into the season, that Joel Embiid opening stretch was dangerously close to Larry Holmes Status

The 76ers are in a much better place to start this season than they were last year. Paul George will miss the team’s season opener against the Celtics. The Philadelphia 76ers will begin this season in a much better position than they were in a year ago.

The NBA season is here, with the 76ers’ slate kicking off at 7:30 p.m. against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. As has become customary, there are more questions than answers about this team at the moment.