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Zach Ciavolella

@ciavo.bsky.social

1.9K followers 110 following 950 posts

76ers beat reporter & editor for @phillysportsnet.bsky.social & @metrophilly.bsky.social | Occasional guest on @sportsradiowip.bsky.social Gave up the Bucks while God Jrue up the play like Holiday

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Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · Aug 19

Very grateful to have been welcomed into the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.

It's an honor, joy and privilege to write about Philly sports as a part of my profession, and I am eternally appreciative to everyone who has helped me in my sports journalism journey.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11h

Hip-Hop is officially back with the Sixers this season as they celebrate the 2001 Eastern Conference Championship team.
phillysportsnetwork.com/2025/10/13/h...

‘Hip-Hop’ returns to Philly as Sixers bring back memorable mascot

As part of their celebration of the 2001 team, the Sixers are bringing back their beloved mascot from the same era, Hip-Hop.

phillysportsnetwork.com

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12h

Asked and answered. He's back.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 1d

After months of silence and vague updates, Joel Embiid took the court in front of Sixers fans for the first time since February on Sunday.
phillysportsnetwork.com/2025/10/12/j...

Joel Embiid surprises Sixers fans, plays in team’s Blue x White scrimmage

After months of silence and vague updates, Joel Embiid took the court in front of Sixers fans for the first time since February on Sunday.

phillysportsnetwork.com

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 1d

It doesn't equate the grind of an NBA game or season, but Embiid's appearance, and moreover, the fluidity and comfort that he displayed, is the most encouraging update the public has had on him in months, arguably since before his injury.

Noah Levick @noahlevick.bsky.social · 1d

Joel Embiid with the slam at Sixers’ Blue-White scrimmage:

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 3d

76ers inactive for tonight's game:

VJ Edgecombe
Joel Embiid
Paul George
Quentin Grimes
Kyle Lowry
Jared McCain
Trendon Watford

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 3d

VJ Edgecombe (left hip soreness) is out for tonight’s preseason game, Sixers say.

He participated in shootaround this morning and is considered day-to-day. He is also expected to practice next week.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 3d

.......

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 4d

GOOD AFTERNOON AND GO BIRDS

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

A major storyline this season will be whether or not Nick Nurse can manufacture open threes with his offensive scheme.

A preseason game is not the perfect litmus test, but sufficient to say today has not eased any concerns.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

Kelly Oubre with a much-needed corner three.

Oubre has mentioned at length his finger issues that have led to his shooting struggles.

After spending the offseason rehabbing the injury and increasing the range of motion, Oubre is looking to see improvement this year.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

Sixers down 43-53 at the half:

Tyrese is Tyresin, VJ is electric, and Bona would be running away with the backup center competition if he didn't have three fouls.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

It's hard to remember, given how last season ended, but some players are just a joy to watch.

VJ Edgecombe is one of those players.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

Sixers start the game 0-12 from three, and their first triple comes from none other than VJ Edgecombe.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

VJ Edgecombe is running the fast break like a pro.

Very encouraging sign.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

Kelly Oubre is playing like a hound dog out there today

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 11d

Sixers announced the details for this year’s blue x white scrimmage, taking place Sunday, Oct. 12, at noon once again at the Chase Fieldhouse.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12d

Officially official.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12d

While Quentin Grimes has finally re-signed with the Sixers, by choosing to sign his qualifying offer, he has also dragged his contract drama into the regular season.
phillysportsnetwork.com/2025/10/01/q...

Report: Quentin Grimes signs qualifying offer, drags contract drama into regular season

A summer of discourse hit a breaking point Wednesday afternoon as, at long last, there was a resolution to Quentin Grimes' lengthy stint in restricted free

phillysportsnetwork.com

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12d

Grimes' camp requested an average annual salary of $30 million per year during negotiations, according to Shams Charania.

If I were Grimes, I would be looking for new representation before I hit free agency again next summer.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12d

Quentin Grimes is signing a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer with the Sixers, according to Shams Charania.

This is quite possibly the worst case scenario for all parties involved, in my opinion.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 12d

Quentin Grimes is signing a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer with the Sixers, according to Shams Charania.

This is quite possibly the worst case scenario for all parties involved, in my opinion.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 13d

Jared McCain underwent surgery for a torn UCL in his right thumb and will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks, the Sixers said.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 13d

As they prepare to face off against the Knicks in a couple of overseas preseason games, the Sixers spent Tuesday morning participating in a youth basketball clinic in Abu Dhabi.
phillysportsnetwork.com/2025/09/30/s...

Sixers host youth basketball clinic in Abu Dhabi

After arriving in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the Sixers participated in a local youth development program that has been an annual event featured in the NBA's

phillysportsnetwork.com

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 13d

Jared McCain appears to be undergoing surgery on his torn UCL, according to several loopy Instagram videos he's posted.

Based on the timeline given by Shams Charania, he'd be looking at a return to action date around early to mid-November, as early as Oct. 28.

h/t @kyleneubeck.bsky.social

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 15d

The Sixers have signed and waived Marcus Bagley.

Bagley signed an Exhibit 10 contract and is expected to join the Blue Coats.

Zach Ciavolella @ciavo.bsky.social · 15d

Jared McCain sighting post practice