The Philadelphia 76ers began their 2026-27 NBA preseason campaign in convincing fashion, defeating the defending NBA champion New York Knicks 120-97 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday.

While the matchup featured two high-profile teams, the Sixers' biggest stars did not take the court. LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were among Philadelphia's healthy inactive players, leaving the spotlight on the team's new-look supporting cast.

The Knicks, meanwhile, used much of their championship-winning starting lineup, making Philadelphia's comfortable victory particularly notable for a preseason contest.

The biggest positive for Philadelphia was Jaylen Brown's Sixers debut.

Brown, who joined Philadelphia during the offseason, immediately became the focal point of the offense with the team's three biggest stars resting.

The five-time All-Star scored 22 points in just 17 minutes, shooting 8-of-13 from the field before sitting out the second half. He scored 13 points during the opening quarter and continued to attack the Knicks' defense effectively.

The performance offered an early glimpse of how valuable Brown could be for the Sixers during the upcoming regular season.

His ability to create his own shot gives Philadelphia another reliable scoring option, particularly during stretches when James, Embiid or Maxey are unavailable.

Another standout performer was VJ Edgecombe.

With Maxey and James sitting out, Edgecombe took on additional responsibility as a ball-handler and helped organise the Philadelphia offense.

The young guard finished with 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while committing no turnovers according to NBC Sports Philadelphia's game analysis.

His playmaking was especially encouraging for a Sixers team that expects him to take on a larger role alongside its established stars.

Edgecombe also provided one of the game's athletic highlights with a strong drive and two-handed dunk, showing the explosiveness that could become an important part of Philadelphia's second unit.

The Knicks entered the game with a significant advantage in experience.

With Philadelphia resting James, Embiid and Maxey, New York had the opportunity to test its championship-calibre lineup against a Sixers team featuring several younger players.

But Philadelphia maintained control after taking the lead and eventually pulled away.

The Sixers' depth players continued to extend the advantage even after Brown went to the bench. Jabari Walker recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Caleb Love added 15 points.

The performance highlighted the depth Philadelphia has been building around its star-heavy roster.

The victory was not entirely positive for Philadelphia.

New Sixers center Ariel Hukporti left the game during the first quarter after suffering an apparent non-contact lower-leg or ankle injury.

Hukporti went down while defending Karl-Anthony Towns and required assistance getting to the sideline. The Sixers were already without Joel Embiid, Adem Bona and Tacko Fall, leaving them thin at the center position during the game.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse had indicated before the game that some players were dealing with minor issues, but the team had not announced a specific timetable for Hukporti's return.

The Sixers will hope the injury is not serious as they continue preparations for the regular season.

The absence of Philadelphia's biggest stars was expected to attract significant attention.

LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey all sat out the preseason opener, meaning fans did not get to see the projected core of the new-look Sixers together against the Knicks.

James is entering his first season with Philadelphia after joining the team during the offseason, while Brown is also beginning his first campaign with the franchise.

The Sixers had previously showcased their major stars together during a public scrimmage, but Monday's preseason game was deliberately used to give other players an opportunity to establish themselves.

Nick Nurse said he expects most of Philadelphia's key players to participate in at least two of the team's four preseason games.

Preseason results rarely carry much weight, but Philadelphia's performance offered several encouraging signs.

Brown looked comfortable as an offensive leader, Edgecombe showed that he can handle additional playmaking duties and several younger players made meaningful contributions.

The Sixers will now turn their attention to their next preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on October 8.

The bigger test will come once the regular season begins. Philadelphia opens its 2026-27 NBA regular season against the Knicks on October 20 at Madison Square Garden, giving the two teams another meeting just two weeks after their preseason contest.

For now, however, the 120-97 victory gives Philadelphia an encouraging start — even without its biggest names on the floor.