It’s basketball season, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have rocked the early moments with a 15-game unbeaten streak.

Unfortunately, the Sixers were off to one of their worst starts in franchise history, winning just two of their first 14 games. How many of you remember their brutal 0-18 start in 1995?

When it comes to some of the all-time streaks, the Lakers 33-game run in the 1971-72 campaign is one to remember.

And what about Joel Embiid? He finally returned to the lineup recently after his “left knee recovery” and a three-game suspension for his altercation with a reporter.

It will be interesting to see how many games Embiid logs this season. Could he turn into another one of the Sixers’ busts at the center position?

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column - reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes before and beyond - I’ll look at some of the game’s recognizable streaks and the Sixers through the years.

Do you remember Bobby “Bingo” Smith? What former Lakers’ standout was traded to the Sixers, but never played a game? Who has the second-longest WWF title reign behind Bruno Sammartino? And what famed toy truck is celebrating its 60th anniversary?

Twist of Fate: In their first NBA season in 1970-71, the Cavaliers began the year under Bill Fitch and lost their first 15 games. Cleveland, Portland, and Buffalo were the three expansion franchises.

The Cavaliers lost to Buffalo and Portland in their opening games, but they won in Portland, 105-103, on Nov. 12 to snap their streak.

It was a cast of colorful characters in their first year with Bobby “Bingo” Smith, Walt Wesley, John Johnson, and John Warren leading the charge. Veteran Johnny Egan was the elder statesman at 32.

Back then, we all seemed to know all the rosters, and the Cavs became more prominent when rookie Austin Carr and veteran Butch Beard arrived the following year.

Their first winning season and postseason was in 1975-76 with a 49-33 mark still under Fitch and then led by Carr, Jim Chones, and Campy Russell.

How many of you still have some of their basketball cards?

Sixers Slump: Through the years, the Sixers have had their share of losing and winning streaks, as well as slow starts.

You don’t have to turn it back too far to find the Sixers’ 0-18 start in the 2015-16 season under Brett Brown. That group included the likes of Nerlens Noel and Jahil Okafor, both highly regarded college players. It was a young squad composed mostly of players with three years or less experience and 16-year vet Elton Brand.

They finished with an overall 10-72 record, one win more than the famous 9-73 squad in 1972-73. Where have you gone, Manny Leaks?

As far as the Sixers’ streak, there have been many of them. But we shouldn’t forget the 35-game home streak that began in February 1966 and carried into January 1967. In 1966-67, the Sixers began the year 46-4 and went on to a 68-13 season and a championship.

Sixers’ Dumps: In the pivot, the Sixers have experienced some trouble trying to find their dominant big man. Wilt Chamberlain and Moses Malone are certainly the exceptions.

However, they couldn’t conquer the paint with the draft choices beginning in the late 60s through the early 70s with Al Henry, Bud Ogden, Shaler Halimon, and Craig Raymond.

From there, some of their notable failures were Christian Welp, Shawn Bradley, Jeff Ruland, Sharone Wright, to name a few.

Do you remember Andrew Bynum?

Bynum came off career highs in points and rebounds when the Lakes traded him to the Sixers after the end of the 2011-12 season. However, he suffered a knee injury during a freak offseason bowling injury and never wore a Sixers’ uniform.

Some consider Luke Jackson a bust for his inconsistency, but I always was a fan. Darryl Dawkins also could be listed under the category, but “Chocolate Thunder” produced in his own way.

Another Classic Game: In 1973, Coleco released the “Wilt Chamberlain Basketball Game.” It was designed very similar to hockey games with players that could pass the ball to open holes on the floor, where you could launch a shot.

If you have one, hold onto it. The game is a rare and expensive item.

Readers Write:

On “Richie” and Those ‘Rasslin’ Magazines

Hi Jeff!

Rich (Dick) Allen was 10 years ahead of his time. If he would have come up in 1974, I believe he would have stayed with the club for a long time, probably at 1B or LF.

With Ben Chapman showing his prejudices toward blacks and Jews, they were the last club to integrate. John Kennedy was the first black player, who came up in 1957. Allen’s altercation in the batting cage was with Frank Thomas, who was a player from another generation. I believe that their refusal to actively sign black players led to their dismal performances until the mid 1970s. Look at Allen’s stats for the White Sox. He was a one- man wrecking crew.

I can vividly recall Richie Ashburn and Bill Campbell calling his games. Sometimes Allen would make an error and strike out three times. When he came up in the later innings, he would either get a hit or homer to tie the game or to put them ahead.

Your mention of the wrestling magazines brought back memories. When I was finished with my summer job, I would drive to Wally’s News Stand on South 6th Street in Allentown between 10.30 p.m. and midnight. After looking at the baseball and pro wrestling magazines, I purchased maybe two, three, or four.

When I was in school in Germany, my mother would send one of my friends down there to buy a few, and she would mail them to me.

I was also a regular viewer of “Championship Wrestling from Florida” with Gordon Solie. It was nice watching wrestlers who were not in the WWWF, although it was quite entertaining watching Vince McMahon, Jr. interviews with Capt. Lou Albano, the Grand Wizard, and “Classy” Freddie Blassie.

Richard Ochs

Walnutport

Editor’s Note - Richard, I also watched wrestling from Florida, and made some trips to Wally’s in Allentown. Those were the days.

WWF/WWE Wrap: Each week, I’ll recall a former grappler from our past.

In keeping with the streaks theme, do you remember Bob Backlund?

Most of you probably do, but Backlund has the second-longest run (2,135 days) as WWE champion behind Bruno Sammartino, who had two reigns (2,803 days and 1,237).

Backlund defeated Billy “Superstar” Graham in February 1978 and lost to the Iron Sheik in December 1983. He briefly regained the title in 1994 by defeating Bret Hart, but he then lost to Diesel.

Overall, Backlund began his career and wrestled through 2018. He posted a career record of 1,465-484 with 209 draws.

“It’s Better Than Ever... The Hess Truck’s Here”: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the famed Hess Truck, which always is a classic Christmas gift.

The Hess truck began as a holiday gift from Leon Hess to his employees in 1964. Hess wanted a tanker truck with working headlights and taillights and allowing to be filled.

I had a few, but my brother-in-law still collects them. It still is a neat gift.

Memory Lane: Each week, I’ll recount the days of a former player, manager, head coach, or media personality from our yesterday.

Do you remember Sixers’ forward Clyde Lee? He came to Philadelphia on Nov, 8, 1974 from Atlanta for Tom Van Arsdale. Lee, who was a 6-9 center known for his physical play, spent his final two years (74-75, 75-76) with the Sixers, averaging 4.9 points, and 7.6 rebounds.

Lee also spent time with Warriors, and he averaged 7.7 points and 10-3 rebounds over 10 seasons.

Final Thoughts: Belated congratulations to the legendary Rich Strack for winning the Bob Ford Memorial Grid Picks Cup in the Times News newspaper, and a great column about “Sophie” (check it out online). Also, have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Your thoughts are always welcomed; email them to tnsports@tnonline.com