The Philadelphia 76ers currently have a record of 16-11 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Philly is playing well lately, winning seven of their last 10 games.
They are led by Tyrese Maxey, who is having a monster season thus far.
Injuries will be a key factor in determining the success or lack thereof for Philly this season.
Keeping Joel Embiid healthy for a postseason run will determine how far the 76ers can go.
In a wide-open Eastern Conference, with a healthy Joel Embiid, the 76ers are capable of being a major threat.
The 76ers Have A Deep Team
Philadelphia is getting contributions from several players. Six different players are averaging 15 points or more for Philly.
Tyrese Maxey leads the way, averaging 31.7 points per game. This ranks third in the league, trailing only Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Maxey is also ninth in the league in assists per game, averaging 7.1 assists per game. He has put together an MVP-type season thus far. Maxey is averaging 39 minutes per game, so the 76ers should monitor his minutes this early in the season, so he doesn’t get worn out come playoff time.
Joel Embiid averages 20.5 points per game, but has played in just 11 games. In those 11 contests, Embiid is averaging 26 minutes per game. His health is key for the 76ers.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has suited up in just 12 games and has not appeared in a game since November 14. He is dealing with a sprained LCL in his left knee and does not have a timetable for a return. Before his injury, Oubre was averaging 16.8 points per game.
Paul George has appeared in just 11 games this season, after opening the season hurt. He has been healthy recently and is averaging 16.2 points per game, while playing 26 minutes per game.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe has been a bright spot for the 76ers. He is averaging 35 minutes per game and has played in 24 of the 27 games this season. Edgecombe will continue to get better and better. His progression can give the 76ers a three-headed monster come playoff time.
Quentin Grimes is averaging 15.3 points per game and is playing 32 minutes per game. He has suited up in 26 of 27 games this season for the 76ers.
Health will be key for the 76ers. They need Embiid, Oubre, and George healthy. With Maxey, Edgecombe, Oubre, George, Embiid, and Grimes, this is a 76ers team that can rival any current roster in the Eastern Conference.
Team Stats
While the 76ers are fourth in the East, there is room for improvement.
Among teams in the East, the 76ers rank seventh in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating.
The offense can drastically improve with George and Embiid staying healthy.
The 76ers have a lot of room for improvement and can become an even bigger threat when they have all their players on the court at the same time.
The 76ers Can Be A Threat In The East With A Healthy Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey has taken over as the team’s best and most reliable player. Embiid is too injury-prone to be relied upon consistently. However, it is December, and the 76ers need Embiid healthy come playoff time.
With a healthy Embiid, Philly can be a major threat in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
The Detroit Pistons are currently first in the Eastern Conference. They have a good team, but are beatable. They do not have a juggernaut, despite a 23-6 record.
The New York Knicks are second in the East with a 20-8 record. New York may be the biggest challenge in the East with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Philly is very similar to the Knicks. Both teams have a fantastic point guard. Towns and Embiid are both dominant centers. However, the Knicks do not have as much concern for Towns being unavailable as the 76ers do with Embiid.
Boston is third in the East with an 18-11 record, but it is unclear if Jayson Tatum can return this season. Even if he does, it is uncertain if he will be able to perform at a high level.
This is why the 76ers, with a healthy Joel Embiid, can be a major threat in the Eastern Conference. No team in the East is a juggernaut. Each team can be beaten. With Maxey and Embiid, the 76ers have a great point guard and center.
Philadelphia is a deep team that can challenge any team in the Eastern Conference come playoff time.
