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Sixers’ Blue-White scrimmage canceled after Palestra experiences ‘weather-related issues’

Those waiting for Sixers' basketball may have to wait a bit longer.

The Sixers Blue x White Scrimmage at the Palestra which is open to the public was cancelled due to a slippery court caused by condensation on Sept. 25, 2018. The court side banners are taken down.
The Sixers Blue x White Scrimmage at the Palestra which is open to the public was cancelled due to a slippery court caused by condensation on Sept. 25, 2018. The court side banners are taken down.Read moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

The 76ers postponed their annual "Blue x White" scrimmage 1 hour,  40 minutes before it was set to begin Tuesday night at the Palestra.

The event was halted due to "weather related issues having an impact on the arena." The humidity and moisture on the floor were not conducive to hold the scrimmage, so the team decided not to play in regards to player safety.

General manager Elton Brand was not available for comment.

The team had a closed practice Tuesday morning and will be off Wednesday. They'll resume practicing on Thursday.

This marks the second time in two years the Sixers had an event called off due to floor issues.

Back on Nov. 30, 2016, the Sixers' game against the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center was postponed due to unsafe playing conditions.

That night, there was moisture on the court from the rink beneath the playing surface. The temperature inside the arena was higher than what it normally is for a basketball game. A source said that it was 75 degrees in the arena. That combined with the temperature in the 60s outside with 100 percent humidity and rain led the condensation on the court.

The Sixers took a 122-119 victory in the  makeup game on Jan. 30, 2017.

On Friday, the Sixers will open their four-game preseason slate against Melbourne United of Australia's National Basketball League at Wells Fargo. Afterward, they will entertain the Orlando Magic on Monday.  Then the Sixers will play the Dallas Mavericks in China in Oct. 5 (Shanghai)  and Oct. 8 (Shenzhen).

They'll open the regular season on Oct. 16 against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The home-opener is two nights later against the Chicago Bulls.