It’s finally time.

The Sixers play a meaningful game tonight. More meaningful than any game in the past few years. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz will all play with each other tonight against the Washington Wizards.

Embiid, who sported cornrows yesterday, will be on a minutes limit which he isn’t happy about, Simmons will be making his NBA debut, and Fultz, who will also make his NBA debut, is still working on his shot.

There’s still problems with the team, but the expectations for many are a fighting chance for a playoff spot.

We’ll have more Sixers coverage later today. But for now, Kevin Kinkead was at practice yesterday and writes that you shouldn’t expect Simmons guarding John Wall tonight.

Embiid also did a funny video with DraftKings pranking fans.

The Roundup:

The Flyers’ offense continued to stay hot, as they took care of the Florida Panthers 5-1 behind a four-goal second period. Sean Couturier stayed hot, while Nolan Patrick added an assist on a Dale Weise goal. Wayne Simmonds did leave in the third period with a lower-body injury. He’s day-to-day.

Michal Neuvirth got his first win of the season and was awarded with the team’s Ric Flair robe as player of the game:

WOOOOOOOOO!

Anthony SanFilippo takes you inside the team, and he discusses how Robert Hagg is making Shayne Gostisbehere better this season.

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The Eagles had their first practice since Thursday night’s win over Carolina. Lane Johnson and Wendell Smallwood returned to practice.

From an awful start to training camp to being one of the best corners in the league, Patrick Robinson has regained his confidence:

His rough training camp threatened to send his confidence sinking again, his lamentations over his poor play becoming a daily ritual throughout late July and August. He was hard on himself but maintained perspective.

“It’s never as bad as you think it is,” he said, “and it’s never as good as you think it is.”

Of course, he and his coaches would acknowledge it’s much better now.

“He never lost his confidence, and we never lost our confidence in him,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “He’s been through the ringer, so to speak, and he understands, and he has the maturity and the confidence and the experience to be able to deal with those things. He understands the business.”

Carson Wentz has been unbelievable against the blitz. Take a look at these stats:

He and Ertz are also one of the best connections in the NFL this year:

Consider these numbers from ESPN Stats & Information: Their 34 completions this season is the most of any quarterback-tight end duo through Week 6. They have six red zone hookups, second only to Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald (7) to this point in the season. Wentz has targeted Ertz eight times in the red zone, which is even with Brady-Gronkowski, while their four red zone TDs is the most of any QB-TE combo.

This isn’t a brand new development. Since Week 8 of last season, Wentz-to-Ertz has connected 101 times, again the most of any QB-TE duo.

Malcolm Jenkins was part of a group of players that joined yesterday’s NFL owners meeting.

Remember when you wanted Marcus Mariota? So do I, because I wanted him too. Glad we didn’t get him? I am.

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Could Giancarlo Stanton nix a deal that could send him to the Phillies?

Some inside the Marlins clubhouse suggest they doubt Giancarlo Stanton would approve the Phillies due to their rebuilding state – though they have some very good position prospects and are deep-pocketed enough to pay big this winter (or afford Stanton).

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An early honor for Villanova’s Jalen Brunson:

A surprising rumor involving the Union’s United Soccer League affiliate:

https://twitter.com/BrianStraus/status/920476828334039041

Philadelphia’s new NLL team name is down to three finalists. Well, the eventual winner and two other names:

https://twitter.com/BarstoolJordie/status/920376264669704194

Vote for the Wings.

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In other sports news, the NBA season opened up last night. The Cavaliers edged Kyrie Irving and the Celtics 102-99. But the biggest moment came early in the game, when Gordon Hayward went down:

https://twitter.com/ericsports/status/920444233688875008

It was on par with the Kevin Ware and Paul George injuries. Hayward suffered a dislocated ankle and a fractured tibia. He’ll undergo surgery later today.

In the other game, the Rockets escaped Golden State with a 122-121 win. The Warriors also got their NBA Championship rings:

We said goodbye to the NBA offseason last night, but we got one more unbelievable story out of Chicago. Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic is out indefinitely after suffering fractures to his upper jaw and a concussion after a fight with teammate Bobby Portis:

The players had been talking trash to one another in practice, going back and forth before those exchanges escalated into a physical encounter, league sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Mirotic charged at Portis twice before Portis threw a punch and connected with Mirotic’s face, league sources said. Mirotic dropped to the floor and lay there for several minutes before getting up, league sources said.

Portis was battling Mirotic for the team’s starting power forward spot. Looks like he got it?

In Game 4 of the ALCS, the Yankees beat the Astros 6-4 to tie the series at two games apiece. Game 5 is this afternoon.

In Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers dominated the Cubs with a 6-1 win. They look for the sweep tonight.

Ricardo Allen with what could be the Twitter takedown of the year:

Former Louisville basketball head coach Rick Pitino is suing Adidas, Louisville’s current athletic apparel partner, for damaging his reputation. In the suit, Pitino says…get this…he has nothing to do with Adidas and has no knowledge of the situation.

De’Aaron Fox thinks In-N-Out Burgers are overrated. I’m fine with that statement. But this:

“Honestly, for me, I don’t count Chick-fil-A, because it’s way too good to be considered fast food,” Fox replied. “So I’m gonna say Wendy’s. Fat Burger in L.A. is better than In-N-Out. My fans know I keep it real. I’ve told so many people I hate In-N-Out, it’s funny. Now everyone can read about it.”

It’s way too good to be considered fast food. That’s the worst excuse I’ve heard regarding your favorite fast food. By the way, Jake’s Wayback Burgers are the best.

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In the news, a freight train derailed in North Philadelphia and caught on fire.

Teens in Colorado broke into someone’s house and had a party. Someone at the party recorded it on Snapchat. Phones can be bad sometimes.

M&Ms are Pennsylvania’s favorite Halloween candy. Skittles is second, while Hershey mini bars are third. Skittles are the favorite in New Jersey, and Delaware loves Life Savers. My top three: Skittles, Hershey mini bars, Twix.

A bull was on the loose in Brooklyn yesterday afternoon.

https://twitter.com/World_Wide_Wob/status/920331023099072518

Finally, college can be weird:

https://twitter.com/BarstoolTU/status/920290316611194880

Enjoy the Sixers. Trust The Process.