The process took another big step last night:

The Sixers opened their preseason slate against the Memphis Grizzlies, which also served as the debut of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, two of the most highly anticipated rookies in recent history. Philly lost to Memphis, 110-89, but Simmons came out of the gate strong in front of the home crowd.

A new and improved Jahlil Okafor, who is down 20 pounds or so, led the team in scoring with 13 points off the bench. Robert Covington also added 13.

Simmons finished the night with 6 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Alternatively, Fultz was not happy with his play:

The Sixers host the Boston Celtics on Friday night at 7 p.m. in their second preseason game.

The Roundup:

The City of Brotherly Love may be caught up in Sixers fever, but ESPN’s Jalen Rose and Ryen Russillo are not.

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Bill Simmons talked about Fultz yesterday and well… said something different than before.

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The Flyers opened up their 2017-18 campaign on Wednesday night out west against the San Jose Sharks. You probably didn’t see much of the game because the puck didn’t drop until nearly 11 p.m.!

The Flyers defeated the Sharks 5-3 behind a Wayne Simmonds hat trick.

We have you covered with 10 great takeaways from last night’s game and also another post with some great videos/GIFs of the Wayne Train’s evening out west.

Also, the latest Crosing Broadcast dropped on Wednesday and touched on hockey.

Philly plays tonight at the LA Kings. The game is slated to begin at 10 p.m.

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The Phillies are in search of a new manager and now officially have one interested applicant:

Many think the Phils need to just get a manager and the wins will come, but does Andy MacPhail feel that way?

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Speaking of baseball, the Phightins better watch out for the Marlins. Their new owner has two iPads and A LOT of sanitizer:

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In the sports media world, Barstool Sports may team up with ESPN:

The hosts of the podcast Pardon My Take, Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter, are developing a late-night show for ESPN, according to sources inside and outside the network. The show is being developed by Embassy Row, the production company behind Men in Blazers and Garbage Time With Katie Nolan. ESPN declined to comment.

And maybe in a related move, or maybe not, Katie Nolan is heading to the Mothership.

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The Eagles are off to a 3-1 start and Philly spirits are high. They’re getting attention on “Around the Horn” as well, albeit via peer pressure:

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The Eagles signed wide receiver Rashard Davis to the practice squad after Bryce Treggs was scooped up by the Cleveland Browns. May God rest his football soul.

Looking at the offensive line, one left guard is playing better than the other.

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In other NFL news, Cam Newton opened a whole can of worms that I suspect he still will be dealing with today: