Derek Bodner
@derekbodner.bsky.social
Philadelphia 76ers reporter for PHLY.
Previously covered:
The 76ers for The Athletic and Philadelphia Magazine.
The NBA Draft for USA Today and DraftExpress.
I do have thoughts on the world, and occasionally I express them here.
derek@allphly.com
Previously covered:
The 76ers for The Athletic and Philadelphia Magazine.
The NBA Draft for USA Today and DraftExpress.
I do have thoughts on the world, and occasionally I express them here.
derek@allphly.com
Pinned
Derek Bodner
@derekbodner.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Added a bunch of people to the Philly sports reporters Starter Pack.
People are joining pretty quickly so I've undoubtedly missed a bunch, so just @ me with anybody that should be added to the list.
go.bsky.app/TULdnSA
People are joining pretty quickly so I've undoubtedly missed a bunch, so just @ me with anybody that should be added to the list.
go.bsky.app/TULdnSA
Going live at 3 pm to discuss 10 burning questions facing the Sixers after 10 games of play.
From Tyrese Maxey's MVP candidacy, to VJ Edgecombe's recent slump, and the defensive deficiencies that are holding them back, and more.
youtube.com/live/jxLDCFE...
From Tyrese Maxey's MVP candidacy, to VJ Edgecombe's recent slump, and the defensive deficiencies that are holding them back, and more.
youtube.com/live/jxLDCFE...
10 BIG Sixers questions from the first 10 games of the season!
YouTube video by PHLY Sports
youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Going live at 3 pm to discuss 10 burning questions facing the Sixers after 10 games of play.
From Tyrese Maxey's MVP candidacy, to VJ Edgecombe's recent slump, and the defensive deficiencies that are holding them back, and more.
youtube.com/live/jxLDCFE...
From Tyrese Maxey's MVP candidacy, to VJ Edgecombe's recent slump, and the defensive deficiencies that are holding them back, and more.
youtube.com/live/jxLDCFE...
Andre Drummond brought his dog to the podium for the postgame press conference.
"My dog's here," Drummond said. "No, my actual dog.""
"My dog's here," Drummond said. "No, my actual dog.""
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Andre Drummond brought his dog to the podium for the postgame press conference.
"My dog's here," Drummond said. "No, my actual dog.""
"My dog's here," Drummond said. "No, my actual dog.""
And a busted possession leads to a desperate heave from Tyrese Maxey, which doesn't go in. Pistons win 111-108 as the Sixers fall to 6-4 on the season.
We've got a tight game here in Philadelphia, with Cade Cunningham (26 points, 11 assists) giving the Pistons a 111-108 lead with 16.9 seconds left. Timeout Sixers.
November 10, 2025 at 3:04 AM
And a busted possession leads to a desperate heave from Tyrese Maxey, which doesn't go in. Pistons win 111-108 as the Sixers fall to 6-4 on the season.
We've got a tight game here in Philadelphia, with Cade Cunningham (26 points, 11 assists) giving the Pistons a 111-108 lead with 16.9 seconds left. Timeout Sixers.
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 AM
We've got a tight game here in Philadelphia, with Cade Cunningham (26 points, 11 assists) giving the Pistons a 111-108 lead with 16.9 seconds left. Timeout Sixers.
Duncan Robinson (17 points, 5-11 shooting) just fouled out. Tyrese Maxey went to the line and made both free-throws, cutting Detroit's lead to 100-98 with 5:40 left in regulation.
November 10, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Duncan Robinson (17 points, 5-11 shooting) just fouled out. Tyrese Maxey went to the line and made both free-throws, cutting Detroit's lead to 100-98 with 5:40 left in regulation.
And then the 3rd quarter arrived, which Detroit took by a 34-21 margin. The Sixers came into the game with an NBA worst -35.2 net rating in the 3rd quarter.
PIstons lead 88-85 heading into the 4th.
PIstons lead 88-85 heading into the 4th.
Sixers took that second quarter 32-17 and will hold a 64-54 lead heading into the break, as they look to go 2-0 in this home-home back-to-back.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
November 10, 2025 at 2:30 AM
And then the 3rd quarter arrived, which Detroit took by a 34-21 margin. The Sixers came into the game with an NBA worst -35.2 net rating in the 3rd quarter.
PIstons lead 88-85 heading into the 4th.
PIstons lead 88-85 heading into the 4th.
Sixers took that second quarter 32-17 and will hold a 64-54 lead heading into the break, as they look to go 2-0 in this home-home back-to-back.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Sixers took that second quarter 32-17 and will hold a 64-54 lead heading into the break, as they look to go 2-0 in this home-home back-to-back.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
- Maxey: 14 points, 4 assists.
- Drummond: 10 points, 7 rebounds.
- Jabari Walker (12) and Quentin Grimes (10) off the bench.
Back-to-back 3s from the Sixers, the latest from Maxey off a transition push by Jared McCain following a steal, has the Sixers up 50-44 with 6:24 left in the half. Timeout Detroit.
Much better defensive effort from the Sixers here in the second, which has become a trend in the early going.
Much better defensive effort from the Sixers here in the second, which has become a trend in the early going.
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Back-to-back 3s from the Sixers, the latest from Maxey off a transition push by Jared McCain following a steal, has the Sixers up 50-44 with 6:24 left in the half. Timeout Detroit.
Much better defensive effort from the Sixers here in the second, which has become a trend in the early going.
Much better defensive effort from the Sixers here in the second, which has become a trend in the early going.
Another bad first quarter defensively for the Sixers, who trail 37-32 after 1.
Detroit shot 5-10 from deep, scoring 37 points on 27 shots with just 1 TO. Duncan Robinson (9), Jalen Duren (8/7), Caris LeVert (8) and Ausar Thompson (7) all with strong starts for the Pistons.
Detroit shot 5-10 from deep, scoring 37 points on 27 shots with just 1 TO. Duncan Robinson (9), Jalen Duren (8/7), Caris LeVert (8) and Ausar Thompson (7) all with strong starts for the Pistons.
November 10, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Another bad first quarter defensively for the Sixers, who trail 37-32 after 1.
Detroit shot 5-10 from deep, scoring 37 points on 27 shots with just 1 TO. Duncan Robinson (9), Jalen Duren (8/7), Caris LeVert (8) and Ausar Thompson (7) all with strong starts for the Pistons.
Detroit shot 5-10 from deep, scoring 37 points on 27 shots with just 1 TO. Duncan Robinson (9), Jalen Duren (8/7), Caris LeVert (8) and Ausar Thompson (7) all with strong starts for the Pistons.
Bona checked in a few moments after I sent this, fwiw.
Two unexpected rotation notes early here:
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
November 10, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Bona checked in a few moments after I sent this, fwiw.
Two unexpected rotation notes early here:
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
November 10, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Two unexpected rotation notes early here:
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
- Eric Gordon in before Jared McCain.
- Jabari Walker in at center when Andre Drummond went to the bench, not Adem Bona.
Andre Drummond is starting over Adem Bona, something that Nick Nurse admitted was under consideration during his pregame availability.
Starting 5:
- Tyrese Maxey
- VJ Edgecombe
- Kelly Oubre Jr
- Trendon Watford
- Andre Drummond.
Starting 5:
- Tyrese Maxey
- VJ Edgecombe
- Kelly Oubre Jr
- Trendon Watford
- Andre Drummond.
November 10, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Andre Drummond is starting over Adem Bona, something that Nick Nurse admitted was under consideration during his pregame availability.
Starting 5:
- Tyrese Maxey
- VJ Edgecombe
- Kelly Oubre Jr
- Trendon Watford
- Andre Drummond.
Starting 5:
- Tyrese Maxey
- VJ Edgecombe
- Kelly Oubre Jr
- Trendon Watford
- Andre Drummond.
No update on Paul George's availability yet, Nick Nurse says. George is meeting with his surgeon this weekend as a potential "final hurdle" to clear his return to the court.
November 9, 2025 at 10:51 PM
No update on Paul George's availability yet, Nick Nurse says. George is meeting with his surgeon this weekend as a potential "final hurdle" to clear his return to the court.
Last night showed how Trendon Watford's unique blend of screen setting, passing and creativity can help get Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers some much-needed easy looks.
A deep dive on Watford's career night, and on what he can add to the Sixers.
allphly.com/trendon-watf...
A deep dive on Watford's career night, and on what he can add to the Sixers.
allphly.com/trendon-watf...
November 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Last night showed how Trendon Watford's unique blend of screen setting, passing and creativity can help get Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers some much-needed easy looks.
A deep dive on Watford's career night, and on what he can add to the Sixers.
allphly.com/trendon-watf...
A deep dive on Watford's career night, and on what he can add to the Sixers.
allphly.com/trendon-watf...
Nick Nurse says that Jared McCain was available tonight, but they decided to save him for tomorrow night.
McCain, who still has restrictions as he returns from the torn meniscus he suffered last year, has not been cleared to play both ends of back-to-backs.
McCain, who still has restrictions as he returns from the torn meniscus he suffered last year, has not been cleared to play both ends of back-to-backs.
November 9, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Nick Nurse says that Jared McCain was available tonight, but they decided to save him for tomorrow night.
McCain, who still has restrictions as he returns from the torn meniscus he suffered last year, has not been cleared to play both ends of back-to-backs.
McCain, who still has restrictions as he returns from the torn meniscus he suffered last year, has not been cleared to play both ends of back-to-backs.
Final: Sixers pull away for a 130-120 win over Toronto to improve to 6-3 on the season.
Trendon Watford had easily the best game of his Sixers career, and his first career triple double, finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Tyrese Maxey added 31 and Joel Embiid 29 in 26 minutes.
Trendon Watford had easily the best game of his Sixers career, and his first career triple double, finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Tyrese Maxey added 31 and Joel Embiid 29 in 26 minutes.
November 9, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Final: Sixers pull away for a 130-120 win over Toronto to improve to 6-3 on the season.
Trendon Watford had easily the best game of his Sixers career, and his first career triple double, finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Tyrese Maxey added 31 and Joel Embiid 29 in 26 minutes.
Trendon Watford had easily the best game of his Sixers career, and his first career triple double, finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Tyrese Maxey added 31 and Joel Embiid 29 in 26 minutes.
Update: Trendon Watford has his first career triple double. He's up to 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.
Embiid is checking back in, with the Sixers holding a 119-116 lead with 3:15 left.
Embiid is checking back in, with the Sixers holding a 119-116 lead with 3:15 left.
Sixers hold a 101-97 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
November 9, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Update: Trendon Watford has his first career triple double. He's up to 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.
Embiid is checking back in, with the Sixers holding a 119-116 lead with 3:15 left.
Embiid is checking back in, with the Sixers holding a 119-116 lead with 3:15 left.
Toronto is running on 66.7% of their live ball defensive rebounds, per @cleantheglass. The Sixers, by contrast, are running 26.5% of the time.
If you're looking for the ONE reason the game is close.
If you're looking for the ONE reason the game is close.
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Toronto is running on 66.7% of their live ball defensive rebounds, per @cleantheglass. The Sixers, by contrast, are running 26.5% of the time.
If you're looking for the ONE reason the game is close.
If you're looking for the ONE reason the game is close.
8-4 sprint here to start the 4th forces Toronto into a timeout.
Watford with a drive-and-kick to Embiid for a 3 gives Watford his 9th assist.
Embiid's up to 25 points on 9-14 shooting, and now up to 23 minutes played with 9:34 left. Embiid hasn't played more than 25 minutes yet this season.
Watford with a drive-and-kick to Embiid for a 3 gives Watford his 9th assist.
Embiid's up to 25 points on 9-14 shooting, and now up to 23 minutes played with 9:34 left. Embiid hasn't played more than 25 minutes yet this season.
November 9, 2025 at 2:40 AM
8-4 sprint here to start the 4th forces Toronto into a timeout.
Watford with a drive-and-kick to Embiid for a 3 gives Watford his 9th assist.
Embiid's up to 25 points on 9-14 shooting, and now up to 23 minutes played with 9:34 left. Embiid hasn't played more than 25 minutes yet this season.
Watford with a drive-and-kick to Embiid for a 3 gives Watford his 9th assist.
Embiid's up to 25 points on 9-14 shooting, and now up to 23 minutes played with 9:34 left. Embiid hasn't played more than 25 minutes yet this season.
Sixers hold a 101-97 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
November 9, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Sixers hold a 101-97 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
Trendon Watford put on a show there in the 3rd. He's up to 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists as he has his first career triple double within reach.
- Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists.
- Embiid: 21/3/4
- Oubre Jr: 16.
"I'm not sure how they're going to survive this stretch with Watford on the bench" is a thought that earnestly just ran through my head.
Basketball is a strange and unpredictable sport.
Basketball is a strange and unpredictable sport.
November 9, 2025 at 2:26 AM
"I'm not sure how they're going to survive this stretch with Watford on the bench" is a thought that earnestly just ran through my head.
Basketball is a strange and unpredictable sport.
Basketball is a strange and unpredictable sport.
Sixers extended that run to a 31-12 run to turn a 14 point deficit into a 5 point lead heading into the half. They did a complete 180 on the defensive end, which ignited their break.
- Trendon Watford: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Maxey: 17 on 7-13.
- Embiid: 13 on 5-7.
- Trendon Watford: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Maxey: 17 on 7-13.
- Embiid: 13 on 5-7.
After falling down by 14, the Sixers have used an 11-3 run to cut Toronto's lead to 54-48 with 7:18 left in the 2nd.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
November 9, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Sixers extended that run to a 31-12 run to turn a 14 point deficit into a 5 point lead heading into the half. They did a complete 180 on the defensive end, which ignited their break.
- Trendon Watford: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Maxey: 17 on 7-13.
- Embiid: 13 on 5-7.
- Trendon Watford: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Maxey: 17 on 7-13.
- Embiid: 13 on 5-7.
After falling down by 14, the Sixers have used an 11-3 run to cut Toronto's lead to 54-48 with 7:18 left in the 2nd.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
November 9, 2025 at 1:25 AM
After falling down by 14, the Sixers have used an 11-3 run to cut Toronto's lead to 54-48 with 7:18 left in the 2nd.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
Trendon Watford (11), Kelly Oubre Jr (10) and Tyrese Maxey (10) are all in double figures for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding in 9/2/2.
Just some real bozo basketball there for the Sixers in that first quarter, as they trail the Raptors, who are on the second half of a back-to-back, 43-33 at the end of 1.
Raptors are shooting the lights out (8-10 from 3), but a ton of mistakes from the home team early on.
Raptors are shooting the lights out (8-10 from 3), but a ton of mistakes from the home team early on.
November 9, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Just some real bozo basketball there for the Sixers in that first quarter, as they trail the Raptors, who are on the second half of a back-to-back, 43-33 at the end of 1.
Raptors are shooting the lights out (8-10 from 3), but a ton of mistakes from the home team early on.
Raptors are shooting the lights out (8-10 from 3), but a ton of mistakes from the home team early on.
Today's bell ringer: Hop Hop.
November 9, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Today's bell ringer: Hop Hop.