Sixers fans get first home look at LeBron James in overtime preseason loss to Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers closed their preseason Friday night with a 125-120 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, a game that fans treated as a first chance to see a rebuilt roster led by newly added star LeBron James, according to CBS Philadelphia.

6abc Action News reported that the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia marked the first time James was introduced to the home crowd as a member of the 76ers. CBS Philadelphia said James performed his familiar pregame chalk toss before tipoff.

Both outlets reported that many fans in attendance cared less about the result than about how the new lineup played together. CBS Philadelphia noted that most of the expected starters appeared on the floor at the same time, pairing James and fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown with returning players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Fans also cited other additions, including Anfernee Simons and a draft pick, according to the outlet.

Supporters interviewed by the two stations described high hopes for the coming season. Some told 6abc they expect the team to contend for a championship, and one fan from Newark, Delaware, told CBS Philadelphia he believes the Sixers can win the Eastern Conference.

Others voiced caution. A fan from Boothwyn in Delaware County told CBS Philadelphia he was nervous because the roster had only recently been assembled. Justin Procope of Old City told 6abc that the team's outlook depends heavily on its center's availability. "The big thing is Embiid's health; if he can stay healthy, I think we have a lot of potential," Procope said.

Several fans spoke about James' decision to sign in Philadelphia. Chris McGill told CBS Philadelphia that many people had expected James to return to Cleveland or Miami, and he wore an old Cavaliers James jersey to the game. "It doesn't feel real that LeBron James is on our team," McGill said.

Fans who watched the game told 6abc they came away encouraged, praising James' passing and Embiid's play despite the loss. 6abc also reported that some fans expect the team to become one of the most-watched clubs in the NBA this season, partly because of James' arrival.

The preseason result does not count in the standings. According to 6abc, the 76ers begin the regular season Tuesday against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, then return to Philadelphia for their home opener on Thursday.

Compiled by True News from reporting by 6abc Action News and CBS Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/184