The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, in which they missed the postseason and finished with a disappointing 24-58 record.
Joel Embiid appeared in just 19 games due to a lingering knee injury. Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George combined to play just 112 total games, while several other key contributors, including Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon, each missed at least half of the season.
On paper, this Sixers squad looks ready to compete with any team in a wide-open Eastern Conference. However, their injury concerns are likely to carry over into the 2025-26 campaign after last season’s setbacks.
The 76ers have the tools for a deep playoff push
Howard Beck of The Ringer made a bold prediction on the 76ers’ playoff hopes for this upcoming season, projecting that Philadelphia should secure home-court advantage this season.
“Think about the Sixers in the abstract for a moment,” Beck wrote. “Their franchise player won MVP two years ago and is just 31. Their No. 2 option is a 24-year-old All-Star with dazzling quickness, playmaking skills, and scoring touch. That duo is flanked by a nine-time All-Star who, at age 35, can still score and defend at a high level.”
The Eastern Conference is wide open following Achilles injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum. While the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are widely considered favorites to advance to the NBA Finals, rising teams such as the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons remain in the mix, along with the Milwaukee Bucks and 76ers.
If Philadelphia stays healthy, the team should be in strong contention for a top seed in the East.
However, the Sixers remaining healthy isn’t a given considering Embiid’s injury history. After signing George to a four-year, $211.6 million deal last offseason, expectations were high, and the team’s star trio will look to live up to those expectations in their second season together.
