The Philadelphia 76ers introduced their projected starting lineup for the first time in a public scrimmage on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The annual Blue x White Scrimmage was moved to a near-capacity Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia to accommodate fan demand.
The starting unit featured point guard Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe, swingman Jaylen Brown, veteran forward LeBron James, and center Joel Embiid.
They played together as Team Blue for the first time after four days of training camp practice.
Team Blue displayed high-octane offense against a Team White reserve squad of Labaron Philon Jr., Caleb Love, Rayan Rupert, Jabari Walker, and Ariel Hukporti.
The scrimmage included multiple transition lobs, quick perimeter passing, and efficient scoring sequences inside the paint.
Embiid showed increased mobility and a leaner frame after participating fully in all preseason drills without medical restrictions.
"We got a plan together, and he's been in every single drill, every single practice. So there's been no restrictions," said Mike Gansey, Sixers President of Basketball Operations.
Gansey added that Embiid was motivated during summer workouts to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
"Obviously, worked super hard this summer. He told me he was motivated.
He wanted to have a great year, and he's showing it out there," Gansey said.
"Looks a little bit lighter, obviously, but the skill level is still there.
I mean, some of the stuff he does now, seeing it in person, it's incredible to watch some of the stuff he does on the floor."
Defensively, Embiid contested a late-quarter drive by Edgecombe at the rim, drawing a personal foul that the bench asked referees to review.
"I thought I was all-ball," Embiid said.
After the event, James traveled to New York City via a 45-minute helicopter flight, splitting time between both cities as the roster prepares for its preseason opener.
"To be able to take what we've done on the practice floor, bring it to a game floor situation around our fans ...
it was a great first step in the direction we're trying to go," James said.
The 76ers open their preseason schedule against the New York Knicks on Monday.
