With Paul George and Jared McCain both ruled out due to injury, Nurse plans to roll out a lineup of Maxey, Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Adem Bona and Joel Embiid when the 76ers open their regular season Wednesday, Oct. 22, against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

The Sixers had three players finish with more than 20 points, including rookie V.J. Edgecombe. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 Draft stuffed the stat sheet in 34 minutes, recording 26 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.

McCain said following Wednesday's practice that he expects his surgically repaired thumb, which he injured just before the start of training camp, to be re-evaluated in about two weeks.

To Nurse's point, Edgecombe has been able to fight over screens and stay with his man. He defended New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson while out in Abu Dhabi to begin the preseason and he was fighting over screens, using his speed and quickness to stay with Brunson, and make life tough on him.

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse reveals why Paul George is unlikely to play against the Boston Celtics in the 2025-26 opener.

Embiid is expected to play in the 76ers' final preseason game. While back, Embiid would be on a tight minutes restriction.

Paul George's recovery from an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee is continuing. When will he return to the court?

This year is a pivotal one for many within the Sixers organization — especially for the head coach and team president, whose futures may hinge on how things unfold.