Embiid and LeBron headline Sixers camp as Raptors routed — Atlantic roundup

It was a mixed day in the Atlantic Division, with the Toronto Raptors taking a heavy opening-night loss while the Philadelphia 76ers drew encouraging signs from camp, led by Joel Embiid and LeBron James.

Embiid looks ready as LeBron settles in with Sixers

In Philadelphia, all eyes stayed on training camp. Joel Embiid delivered what was described as an encouraging showing in the 76ers’ intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, a meaningful step for the franchise centerpiece as the season approaches. With no official stakes on the line, the scrimmage was mainly about rhythm and readiness, and Embiid appears to have checked both boxes.

Sharing the spotlight, LeBron James logged his first on-court minutes with his new team during that same session. For the veteran star, this was the true beginning of his integration into the 76ers’ system. Over the next few days of camp, attention will turn to how the offensive pecking order and roles crystallize around this superstar pairing.

Raptors open season with lopsided loss in Miami

While the Sixers were behind closed doors, the Toronto Raptors tipped off their regular season on the road and were handed a decisive defeat. Toronto fell 129-105 to the Miami Heat, dropping to 0-1 and becoming the only Atlantic team with a game—and a loss—on the board so far.

The wide margin underlines the challenge awaiting the Raptors in a tough division. They will need to adjust quickly to avoid slipping early in the Atlantic race, especially with four rivals still sitting on clean slates.

Quiet day for Celtics, Nets and Knicks

There was nothing significant on the schedule for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks, and no games played. All three remain at 0-0 in the Atlantic standings, staying in tune-up mode while the 76ers fine-tune at camp and the Raptors already chase their first win.