The Sixers were on a 5-1 homestand, having not been beaten in regulation, and had the Miami Heat in the Wells Fargo Center Friday.

Rap stars, at least one actress well known for a particular brand of film, former players and 20,994 passionate fans filled the Wells Fargo Center.

And they watched the Sixers lose, 99-79, to fall to 0-2 this season against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.

"I wouldn't say this hurts us," Thad Young said. "We are a team that can match you blow for blow."

The Sixers were down bu four at halftime and by four after three quarters. But in a weird, 66-game sprint of a season, they ran out of steam at the end.

"I think they have as many athletes as us," Heat coach Eric Spoelstra said, "if not more."

The Sixers are 16-7, play in Atlanta Saturday and will host the Lakers Monday. That gives them a chance to recover quickly ... or not.

They are feeling some Heat now, but they did beat Chicago earlier in the week.

Too early to panic.

 “This was a damper,” said Elton Brand, who was held scoreless in his 28 minutes. “It's definitely a damper. But I am looking at it as one bad quarter of basketball. We were right there. It could have been a fight to the finish.”

Check out my column in the Daily Times Saturday and, as always, on delcotimes.com