Sixers Face Cavaliers as Shaquille O'Neal Says Joel Embiid Is Key to Title Hopes

The Philadelphia 76ers face the Cleveland Cavaliers in South Philly, with newcomers LeBron James and Jaylen Brown drawing attention ahead of the game, which is being broadcast on ESPN. The matchup has also become a focal point of debate over who matters most to the team's championship hopes, with Shaquille O'Neal arguing that Joel Embiid is the key.

Sixers' opening win and new roster

The 76ers kicked off the new season with a win over the New York Knicks, and James, Brown and Tyrese Maxey were all singled out for strong performances in that game. Coach Nick Nurse has assembled a roster that many observers now view as a serious contender, according to Yahoo News Singapore.

The franchise has not won an NBA championship since 1983. Supporters of the team argue that the additions of James and Brown have raised its level, while Maxey's role on offense has set the tone.

O'Neal and Barkley debate Embiid's importance

On TNT's Inside the NBA, O'Neal said Brown is important but that the Sixers will not win if Embiid does not play well. "This team was built for them to win," he said, adding that Embiid needs to perform at a high level.

Charles Barkley began to name James as a central figure alongside Embiid, but O'Neal corrected him quickly. In the same segment, Barkley said Maxey and Brown were the two best players, and O'Neal responded that the team could not succeed without Embiid.

Embiid, 32, has said he intends to play at an All-Defensive level this season. Injuries have affected his recent seasons, and his availability is likely to remain a central question as the season progresses.

Trump comments and the Sixers' new faces

Before the Cavaliers game, President Donald Trump criticized James on social media, saying he had been seen practicing his golf swing during the national anthem on Tuesday. Trump also demanded an apology from James, according to the Inquirer's report. James has not been quoted in the reports responding to the post.

Sixers public address announcer Matt Cord came out of retirement because of James's arrival, the Inquirer reported.

What we know so far

The Sixers host the Cavaliers in Philadelphia with a roster built around James, Brown, Maxey and Embiid. Whether Embiid can stay healthy across a full season remains the main open question, and the team's title ambitions will depend heavily on it.

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