Okafor stars on opening night for Sixers

Get used to reading this headline:

Okafor scores 26 points; Sixers lose.

Welcome to the 2015-16 NBA season. It's going to be a long one for the Sixers, otherwise known as Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and company.

Brett Brown's troops are undermanned, and it showed as they fell to the Celtics on opening night for both teams in Beantown last night.

Prefer to be an optimist? Okafor played well, and showed he can play well with Noel. Together they give the Sixers a formidable presence in the block. Okafor looks like he can score anytime he wants. Noel is a force on the boards and defense.

The rest of the team? Well, it's a work in progress.

Nik Stauskas, who missed the entire preseason, also was missing in action despite hoping he could play. Tony Wroten remains on the shelf with an ailing knee.

Here is the real question. The Sixers are now 0-1. Anyone think they will ever be .500 or better again this season?

They will get their shot when they host Utah in the home opener Friday night.

For now, picture Okafor as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, and potential All-Star.

For now, that will have to do.

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