Box score takeaways from Sixers vs. Magic

I had a wedding yesterday, so I didn’t get too frustrated with the fact that the Sixers’ preseason game against the Orlando Magic wasn’t going to air in the Philadelphia market — I was going to have watch the replay via League Pass anyway. Only the game didn’t air in the Orlando market either, so there was no broadcast for the NBA to put on League Pass. (If two NBA teams played a game, but no one was around to broadcast it, did it really happen?) Without anyway of watching the game, we’ll have to resort to analyzing the box score to gather some takeaways.

Joel Embiid back in action

After sitting out the Sixers’ game against the Hornets last Friday, Joel Embiid was back in action playing 21 minutes against the Magic. Embiid was the high man in points with 15 on just 6 field goals, getting to the line for 8 points on 9 attempts. Joel also tied Ben Simmons for the game lead in rebounds with 9.

Kyle O’Quinn: Facilitator

New Sixers big man Kyle O’Quinn came to Philadelphia with a reputation for being a good passer at the center position and so far, he is living up to that reputation. Against the Magic, he racked up 9 assists to lead all players in just 13 minutes of play and now has 15 total assists through 3 preseason games. O’Quinn also tacked on 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Zhaire Smith making the most of his minutes

Zhaire Smith continued to receive a disappointing amount of run this preseason, but he scored a point for every minute he played, scoring 8 points while sinking a three and dropping 3 of his 4 free throws.

All-around games for Milton and Richardson

The Sixers got solid all-around contributions on the wing with Josh Richardson and Shake Milton filling up the box score.

Richardson scored 13 points and though he didn’t shoot it well from the floor, he did get to the line a good bit, converting 6 of 7. Richardson added on 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Shake Milton was productive in his 9 minutes, going perfect from deep (2 for 2) en route to 9 points. Like Richardson, Milton contributed outside of putting the ball through the hoop with 3 rebounds, an assist and a block.

Thybulle continues to impress

Matisse Thybulle has personified the phrase “hit the ground running” throughout preseason, and continued his productive play against the Magic. He racked up 10 points, an assist, a block, and a steal in 16 minutes of play.

Markelle Fultz revenge tour?

Markelle Fultz faced off against his old team for the first time, hanging 12 points and 5 assists on the Sixers. Not bad for 20 minutes of play. Unfortunately, without a broadcast of the game, I can’t say how or if Markelle interacted with his former teammates, but I imagine it was all love.