As the NBA season enters its crucial final stretch, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a pivotal position. With just 28 games left, they’re on the cusp of bouncing back from last year’s disappointing 24-win season.
Currently, they're just a game away from the play-in tournament in the East, and a strong finish could secure them a coveted top-six playoff spot. Let’s dive into the key questions that will determine their fate.
Can the All-Star Break Recharge VJ-Maxx?
The dynamic duo of Maxey and Edgecombe has shouldered a massive workload this season. Maxey, with a hefty 30% usage rate, has been the engine of the team.
However, fatigue seems to be catching up with him. Through December, he was averaging an impressive 30.8 points per game, shooting 39.6% from deep.
But come January and February, those numbers dipped to 26.5 points per game and 35.6% from three. While his minutes have slightly decreased from 39 to 37 per game, he still leads the league in minutes played.
Edgecombe, averaging 35 minutes a night, leads rookies in minutes played. His production has also taken a hit, with noticeable changes in his shot selection.
Earlier in the season, 35% of his shots came at the rim, but that’s dropped to 29%. Similarly, his short midrange attempts have decreased from 18% to 14%.
With the Sixers’ top-heavy roster, the All-Star break might be their only respite. Maxey participated in both the All-Star game and the three-point contest, while Edgecombe showcased his skills in the Rising Stars game. Whether these four days off can recharge their batteries remains to be seen, but they’ll likely face many 40-minute nights ahead.
Can the Revamped Bench Step Up?
The heavy reliance on Maxey and Edgecombe is partly due to the Sixers’ struggling bench, currently ranked 28th in the league, averaging just 30.4 points per game. Quentin Grimes, tasked with providing bench shooting, has faced his own challenges. After a strong start, his performance has dipped, now averaging 9.9 points per game and shooting 31% from three.
With Paul George suspended, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dominick Barlow have been thrust into starting roles, leaving the bench even thinner. The departures of Jared McCain and Eric Gordon have intensified the need for Grimes to regain his form.
Enter Cam Payne, a potential spark from the buyout market. Though he spent the first half of the season in Europe, Payne has proven he can impact playoff games.
For a team desperate for bench production, any help is welcome.
Will the Front Court Behind Joel Embiid Hold Up?
The perennial question for the Sixers is Joel Embiid’s health. After a stretch of healthy play, Embiid missed the last two games before the All-Star break due to knee swelling.
The silver lining? It’s his right knee this time, not the frequently injured left.
Head coach Nick Nurse remains optimistic, suggesting the All-Star break could aid his recovery.
Without Embiid, the Sixers have struggled, losing six of their last seven games. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have filled in, but the results have been mixed.
Bona shows promise as a shot blocker, but his rebounding and lob-catching need work. Drummond, after a strong start, appears to be slowing down.
With the trade deadline passed and limited options in the buyout market, the Sixers’ best hope lies in Embiid’s health. Even if he remains healthy, they face six more back-to-backs in the regular season as they prepare for a hectic March.
The Sixers’ journey to the playoffs hinges on these key factors. If they can navigate these challenges, a top-six spot is within reach.