Sixers

Report: Sixers to Host Australian Team in Preseason

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jun 26th, 2018 · 12:30 PM EDT

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Per Keith Pompey over at the Inquirer:

The #Sixers will host NBL champion Melbourne United this preseason, according to sources. Ben Simmons’ father, Dave, played for that team and Brett Brown was an assistant coach for the Australian team. The team was formerly known as the Tigers.

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 26, 2018

Makes sense. Why not? We get 41 home games a season, so I’m on board for seeing some variety.

Keith pointed out in a later tweet that ex-Sixer Casper Ware plays for Melbourne, though he has yet to sign for this coming season. You’ll also recognize Josh Boone, the former UConn standout who played four seasons with the Nets. They also had a guy called “Majok Majok,” which is a great name, but it looks like he just signed for another team, so we won’t get to see Majok Majok in Philly.

Melbourne would likely come to Phila after the Sixers return from China. That pair of preseason games will take place against the Mavericks on October 5th and October 8th in Shanghai and Shenzhen. I’d think you could then fit in two more preseason games, which would bring you to five total ahead of the regular season opener.

And here’s the current summer league schedule for your team, your town:

• Friday, July 6th, 7:30 p.m. – vs Celtics
• Saturday, July 7th, 11:00 p.m. – vs. Lakers
• Monday, July 9th, 5:30 p.m. – vs. Wizards

Time’s yours.