The Philadelphia 76ers are Living Up to the Hype, So Far

Written By Jason Green | Published at November 3, 2026

The Philadelphia 7yers are living up the hype after a hot start. The team has won seven of their first eight games. — Oct 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) drives for a score against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Major off-season moves in the NBA were highlighted by Jaylen Brown's trade to the 76ers and LeBron James making another “Decision” by joining Philly. Only eight games into the season, the system has worked so far: the team is 7-1, and the 76ers are living up to the hype.

Like Fine Wine

King James is aging like fine wine in his 24th season, averaging 16.2 ppg, seven boards per game, and 7.3 assists per game. In the last game, the 76ers crushed the Bulls 126-107; while going for a loose ball, James collided with a Philly fan carrying a glass of red wine. James has said he has a glass of wine a day, and he believes it has helped his longevity. He took a sip of the fan’s wine; the fan has been a 76ers’ fan for a long time and even grew up with Julius Erving’s (Dr. J) kids.

Great Start for 76ers

The new-look 76ers have gotten off to a great 7-1 start, putting them atop the Atlantic Division. Tyrese Maxey leads the team in scoring at 29.1 ppg, Brown is averaging 20.6 ppg and 6.9 rpg, and Joel Embiid has played in six of the eight games and has averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.5 rpg.

The 76ers have not been a high-scoring team so far, ranking 21st in ppg, but their defense has been solid, ranking second giving up an average of 105.1 ppg. The only team ahead of them on the defensive rankings is the Detroit Pistons, who handed Philly their only loss of the season.

Team May Be Tested

The 76ers have, no doubt, gotten off to a solid start, but they will be tested in their upcoming games. They face the 6-1 Pistons on the road in their next game and over their next five games, three are on the road, and four of the teams they face made the playoffs last season.

It is still early, and everyone is waiting to see if injury issues for Embiid and King James arise, but the team has the City of Brotherly Love excited, and so far the 76ers are living up to the hype.