The Big Three era at Philadelphia kicked off in less than impressive fashion, with the 76ers losing 111-106 to Orlando after Terrence Ross' clutch triple.
Jimmy Butler scored 14 points in 33 minutes on the court.
The chemistry between Butler teammates will take time to adjust. Butler and Ben Simmons are two similar players as both like to control possession of the ball from the point guard position..
Butler's inclusion resulted in Simmons having a quiet night. The Australian shot nine points and had three assists. Simmons' tally of five shots was the fewest he has taken this season, outside of the one game he was in foul trouble and the other in which he played only eight minutes.
One positive out of the game was the chemistry between Butler and Joel Embiid. The duo combined for the first bucket of the game. Embiid is comfortable on the ball and is able to create shot for teammates, finishing with a career-high 10 assists in his triple double.
Butler was brought in to improve the 76ers' final term fade outs. Butler is tied for most points in the final term, but even he could not prevent a last quarter fade out against the Magic.
Orlando trailed by 16 points midway through the fourth term, before a 21-0 run saw them regain the lead.
Butler said said after the game his lack of knowledge of the 76ers playbook prevented him from playing at his best.
More time on the practice court will help him and the rest of the 76ers team.
Robert Covington and Dario Saric combined for 22 points in the debuts for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Covington recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Saric added nine points, three rebounds and two steals in the Wolves 107-100 win against New Orleans.
Both players were unable to train with their new teammates in the lead up to the match due to the trade not being finalised.
But the lack of time with their new teammates did little harm as the Timberwolves played with greater urgency while the pair were on court.
The tumultuous ending to Butler's time at the Timberwolves will give fans confidence Covington and Saric can revitalise the team's season.
Minnesota climb to a 6-9 record and sit a fraction below Dallas on the Western Conference table.
It looks like Saric will be coming off the bench and playing around 20-25 minutes a night as Taj Gibson's backup, while Covington will play heavy minutes as a typical Tom Thibodeau starter.
The pair will look to continue their fine form when they face Portland on Saturday.
