The Philadelphia 76ers opened their 2025‑26 campaign with a 115‑105 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Xfinity Mobile Arena, even as star guard Tyrese Maxey missed the game due to illness.
Season‑Opening Win
The win marked the Sixers’ first victory of the season and improved their overall record to 14‑10. Indiana fell to 6‑19 after the loss. With Maxey sidelined, Philadelphia’s lineup featured VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, Paul George, Dominick Barlow and Joel Embiid.
Key Performances
Joel Embiid delivered a season‑best 39 points, nine rebounds and three assists in a 32‑minute outing. He also hit a decisive three‑pointer with 1.6 seconds left in the second quarter, ending a long‑range slump that had seen him miss 14 consecutive attempts over the previous three games. Embiid’s 18 free‑throw attempts, 13 of which were made, were a season high.
VJ Edgecombe added 22 points, five assists and four rebounds, including a strong first‑quarter burst of 14 points on just six shots. Paul George contributed 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. On the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam scored 20 points while Andrew Nembhard added 18.
Game Flow and Highlights
The Sixers began the game with an aggressive lineup that relied on Edgecombe’s attack‑minded play. He nailed a pull‑up jumper, a fast‑break dunk and a corner three to give Philadelphia a 19‑10 lead. Embiid returned after a brief absence in the first quarter and sparked a scoring run that pushed the Sixers into a halftime advantage of 63‑58.
In the third quarter, Embiid continued to dominate the paint, drawing fouls and converting 18 free throws. Despite this, the Pacers rallied, with Isaiah Jackson stealing the ball from Embiid and tying the game at 82. A lay‑up by Nembhard gave Indiana a brief lead before Embiid’s late‑game heroics restored Philadelphia’s advantage. The Sixers’ defense tightened in the final stretch, limiting the Pacers’ clean looks and avoiding cheap fouls.
Injury Update
In addition to Maxey, the Sixers are missing Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain), Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) and Hunter Sallis (right shoulder sprain). These absences have forced the team to adjust its rotation and give more minutes to role players.
Looking Ahead
Philadelphia will travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. The Sixers will hope to carry the momentum from their season‑opening win into the series, while the Pacers look to rebound from their loss.
Key Takeaways
- Joel Embiid’s 39‑point, 9‑rebound performance capped a season‑best effort.
- VJ Edgecombe’s 22 points and early burst set the tone for Philadelphia.
- Tyrese Maxey’s illness kept him out, but the Sixers still secured a 1‑0 record.
The 76ers’ strong start, highlighted by Embiid’s dominant night, sets a positive tone for the season, even as the team navigates injuries and prepares for a matchup against the Hawks.
