The NBA season is now underway but only four teams have played so far. On Wednesday night (Oct. 18), the Philadelphia 76ers will be featured in a televised game against the Washington Wizards. The 76ers are considered a young team on the rise thanks to their recent draft picks and acquisitions. The Wizards are considered more of a contender in the Eastern Conference, especially now that the Boston Celtics have lost a star player possibly for the season. Here's a look at the Sixers vs. Wizards game preview with matchup odds, scheduled time, TV channel, and live streaming options.

NBA game preview

The Philadelphia 76ers failed to make the NBA Playoffs last season but they're considered a potential sleeper team in the East due to their group of young talented players. That includes back-to-back No. 1 picks in Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, as well as another high pick in big man Joel Embiid. There's also Dario Saric, who along with Embiid, was a contender for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In the offseason, the team also added JJ Reddick from the L.A. Clippers as a free agent. On Wednesday evening they get to see how their team fares against a top contender from the East.

That would be John Wall, Bradley Beal, and the Washington Wizards. The Wizards return the majority of their core which includes starters Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter Jr.

Last season saw this Washington squad take the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics a full seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This season, there's already talk that the Wizards have become one of the top contenders behind the Cleveland Cavs, and with an injury to Boston's Gordon Hayward last night, that seems like it could make Washington the team that will challenge the Cavs most.

For tonight's home opener, the Washington Wizards find themselves as -6.5 points favorites on the point spread. They're also -300 on the moneyline, while the visiting 76ers are +240 underdogs. The over/under points total is 217.5 points for the complete game.

How to watch live

Wednesday night's Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards game is scheduled to begin at 7 PM ET Live television coverage of this game comes through the ESPN network.

In the United States, cable and satellite subscribers can also see a live streaming game feed via WatchESPN website or mobile apps.

Anyone with a hi-speed internet connection can also consider signing up for the SlingTV channel streaming service. By choosing Sling Blue or choosing Sling Orange with the "Sports Extras" add-on package, customers can see ESPN live streaming for tonight's games. More details on how to sign up and try one week of the service for free are available at the Sling.com website.
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