In two years of the NBA's in-season tournament, the Sixers have never advanced past the Group Play stage. Perhaps the third time will be the charm in what is now known as the NBA Cup.

"I don't know what to say about the cup," Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said after the team's practice on Thursday, "because we sure haven't played very well in it... I think it's a great competition, I think it adds to the regular season [some] spice, and it's good. I would like us to play better in it, so no time better than right now."

On Friday night, the Sixers will play host to the Boston Celtics in what is more than a rematch of opening night, when Tyrese Maxey's eruption and VJ Edgecombe's historic debut led the Sixers to a dramatic win at TD Garden . It will also be the opening game of NBA Cup Gro

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