:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56187783/usa_today_10009451.0.jpg)
We’re just a couple hours away from finally finding out the Sixers’ full schedule of games, and a decent-sized surprise is on the way. The Sixers will reportedly play on national television more than the Knicks this year, a pretty shocking jump for a team who has been heavily maligned for their rebuild over the last few years.
The word comes courtesy of Brian Windhorst, who closed the latest episode of ESPN’s The Jump by alluding to two young teams that will be a factor in the national TV picture this season.
“You’re going to see Lonzo Ball and the Lakers on national TV a lot this year, and my sources tell me the 76ers are going to be on national TV more than the Knicks. Look for that,” said Windhorst.
Even in lean years, the league tends to lean heavily on the New York market for national games, so this would be a huge step up for Philadelphia, and a real statement on how big a part they’ll play in the league’s promotion of the product. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz are playing in one of the country’s biggest media markets, and Adam Silver & Co. want to make sure everybody remembers their names.
You can watch the clip of Windhorst’s announcement below, and buckle up for 6 p.m.