Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić
January 2026
Curry led the top-selling jersey list, with Dončić second and Brunson third, and multiple top sellers were named All-Star starters for a new U.S. vs World format at Intuit Dome. The list included five international stars among top sellers and noted debuts for Flagg and Cunningham on the jersey list, while Rivals Week programming features many of the same names and teams.
Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo
December 2025
The first 2026 NBA All-Star fan returns have Luka Dončić leading all players in votes, while Giannis Antetokounmpo tops the Eastern Conference. The current top fives include Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama in the West. Fan voting counts for 50% of starter selection, with players and media at 25% each, and voting is positionless. Dec. 30 is a 3-for-1 day, with the next update on Jan. 6. The Feb. 15 game uses a U.S., U.S., and World round-robin format.
Joel Embiid
December 2025
Joel Embiid came back to the Sixers lineup against Atlanta, logging 18 points in 30 minutes after right knee soreness kept him out for nine games, but his return was not enough as Philadelphia lost 142-134 in a draining double-overtime battle. Cleared after a pregame workout, Embiid joined Paul George and Tyrese Maxey in the starting five for the first time this season, continuing a career marked by elite production and repeated injuries soon after signing a three-year, $193 million extension that begins next season.
Kyle Lowry (Philadelphia 76ers)
November 2025
The 39-year-old entered late in the 76ers’ 129–105 win, making him the 12th player in league history to reach 20 seasons. He hit a 3-pointer, added an assist and steal, and drew cheers from teammates and coach Nick Nurse. Lowry’s leadership remains central off the court—mentoring Tyrese Maxey and integrating within Nurse’s motion schemes. The veteran also holds an analyst role with Prime Video, balancing on-court duties and media commitments. Widely regarded as Toronto’s greatest Raptor, future Hall of Fame induction likely.
Philadelphia 76ers
October 2025
Philadelphia moved to 4–0, erasing a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Washington 139–134 in OT. Tyrese Maxey posted 39 and 10, Embiid added 25 in 23 managed minutes, and rookie big Adem Bona delivered late rim protection and a decisive put-back. Nurse’s group leaned on pace, switching, and bench energy to close. Expect continued load management for Embiid while Maxey shoulders primary creation. Nurse will stagger shooters around Maxey, leverage Bona’s verticality and contests, and mix small pressure lineups with drop variants to protect foul rates. Early success is process-driven; sustainability depends on turnover control and half-court execution against elite defenses.
Philadelphia 76ers
August 2025
SPN insiders ranked Philadelphia third most likely team to make a significant leap in standings, behind Spurs and Hawks. Injuries plagued their 2024-25 season, with the Sixers finishing 24-58 despite star power. Expectations hinge on health and cohesion of Embiid, George, and Maxey. Embiid’s fitness remains the biggest question mark after multiple knee surgeries and just 19 appearances last season. If George stays healthy and Maxey continues improving, Philadelphia could rise back into contention. Their depth and chemistry will be decisive in overcoming recent setbacks.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Out since March 3; season-ending status confirmed April 4
Maxey will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to a finger tendon injury that has not responded to rehab.
Despite attempts to manage the discomfort, the All-Star guard requires further treatment and joins an extensive list of sidelined Sixers, including Joel Embiid and Paul George. Maxey averaged a career-high 26.3 PPG in 52 games and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
March 2025
Tyrese Maxey will miss two more games due to a finger sprain and ongoing back issues, extending his absence to 15 games.
The All-Star guard has not played since March 3. Despite a career-high 26.3 PPG season, his injury absence has coincided with the 76ers losing six straight and nearing elimination from the play-in race.
