Sixers Face Tough Test In Season Opener
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, that is who the 76ers will have to deal with when they tip off the regular season on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
Miami, of course, became the preseason favorite in the eastern conference after the Heat convinced James and Bosh to join Wade in South Beach.
Despite a disappointing 27-55 record, last season, the Sixers head into the 2010-11 campaign with high expectations of their own. The hiring of Doug Collins as the new head coach, and the selection of rookie Evan Turner in this year's draft, are two of the biggest reasons for the team's optimism.
Turner averaged almost eight-points per game in the preseason, while second year man Jrue Holiday added more than 11-points per game, and veteran Andre Iguodala scored over 12-points a contest.
The Sixers did not add anyone named James or Bosh in the offseason, but they will be looking for contributions from acquisitions Spencer Hawes, Andres Nocioni, Tony Battie and rookie forward Craig Brackins.
The team is also hoping for a bounce back year from forward Elton Brand. Last season, Brand averaged a career low 13-points and six rebounds per contest.
The Sixers finished the preseason with a 2-5 record. Both wins did come at home.
Reported by: Dan Majka, KYW Newsradio.
