People VS Destroyers Preview: People Overwhelming on Paper, Destroyers Hope to Minimize Loss

On October 8th, the NBA preseason continues with a matchup between the 76ers and the NBL team, the New Zealand Destroyers.

The 76ers had an impressive start in last season’s regular season, but their competitiveness severely declined after Embiid’s knee injury sidelined him. Embiid only played 39 games last season, and the 76ers finished 7th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 47 wins and 35 losses. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after winning the play-in tournament, losing 2-4 to the Knicks to end their season.

In the offseason, the 76ers made significant adjustments in pursuit of a championship. Players like Harris, Hield, Batum, Melton, Payne, and Paul Reed all left the team. The 76ers signed players such as George, Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and Yan Xiaolei. In the draft, the 76ers selected internet sensation Mo Xian Ge McCann with the 16th pick. During the Summer League, McCann averaged 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, showcasing a decent personal performance.

The New Zealand Destroyers previously faced off against the Jazz on October 5th. Due to the disparity in strength, the Destroyers lost 87-116. Six players scored in double digits for the Destroyers in that game, with Jackson-Cartwright contributing 16 points, Bolden and Lopez both scoring 13, King with 11, and Meneke and Matthew Mooney each adding 10 points.

The New Zealand Destroyers also signed Tacko Fall, who played for the CBA team Nanjing Tongxi last season.

In terms of roster strength, the 76ers have an absolute advantage. In the past five years, the New Zealand Destroyers have played against multiple NBA teams five times without a win, with the smallest margin of defeat being 14 points and the largest being 40 points.

The 76ers now boast top-tier scorers like Embiid, George, and Maxey, while players like Drummond, Old Gordon, and Lowry provide experience. Even if most teams do not have special requirements for winning or losing during preseason games, the 76ers are still very capable even when relying on their rotation lineup and fringe role players. The New Zealand Destroyers can perhaps only hope to avoid a crushing defeat.

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