PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s a big week for Philly sports. The Eagles have a lot at stake though this early in the season, and Philadelphians get a first look at Joel Embiid and the 76ers — sans Ben Simmons.
Here are the top five games to watch over the next week:
1. Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers, Sunday at 1 p.m.
The last time the Eagles had only one win within their first five games in back-to-back seasons was 1999 and 1998. They are at risk of that happening if they lose in Carolina on Sunday.
However, rookie head coach Nick Sirianni continues to preach a “dog mentality,” even though the team is on a three-game losing streak.
The Eagles must improve in a couple of key areas heading into Sunday. First, the penalties — 44 in four games — and second, the defense, which has allowed 76 points the past two losses.
2. Sixers preseason action vs. Toronto Raptors, Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Sixers preseason home opener at the Toronto Raptors was not televised locally, so Thursday night’s home opener is the first chance for many fans to see the Simmons-less 76ers in action.
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Embiid didn’t play in the 123-107 loss on Monday either because of planned rest, and Tobias Harris was out with right knee soreness.
This is the Sixers’ second of four exhibition games and the first of two at the Wells Fargo Center. The second at home is Monday against the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m.
Thursday is also the first opportunity fans will get to hear new Sixers television play-by-play broadcaster Kate Scott on the call with Alaa Abdelnaby on NBC Sports Philadelphia.3.
3. Philadelphia Flyers preseason finale at Washington Capitals, Friday at 7 p.m.
This is the Flyers’ final tune-up before the regular season begins on Oct. 15.
4. Penn State at Iowa, Saturday at 4 p.m.
The No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions put their 5-0 record up against the undefeated No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. This should be a fun one for Big 10 bragging rights.
5. Temple University at Cincinnati, Friday at 7 p.m.
After Temple’s thrilling 34-31 win over Memphis this past weekend at Lincoln Financial Field, the Owls go on the road to No. 5 Cincinnati Friday night. The Bearcats are 4-0 after defeating Notre Dame on the road.