After signing Paul George, drafting Jared McCain, and adding pieces around the edges last summer, the 76ers had hopes of a championship. No one in that organization was scouting lottery talent until injuries decimated the roster and they were forced into a tank. It was as disastrous a season as you could imagine for a franchise with real title hopes, and the pressure has mounted for success in 2026.
It is hard to see where they go if they aren’t good and healthy this season. They have two massive
contracts (a combined $106 million for Joel Embiid and Paul George in 2026) that hinder their ability to do anything with the roster if this experiment fails. No one will trade for either of those guys with their age and health record. If Embiid plays, the team is right there in a very weak East. If not, the boos at Xfinity Mobile Arena will be heard from sea to shining sea.
Philadelphia 76ers: Over/Under 42.5 (-102/-120)
Last Season: 24-58
Additions: Kyle Lowry, VJ Edgecombe
Losses: N/A
Philadelphia’s glaring weakness is health. They lost star rookie Jared McCain to a torn ACL and got just 60 games out of Paul George and Joel Embiid. George and McCain should be back, joining Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe to create a very formidable backcourt rotation. Unfortunately, the best ability is availability, and Embiid has not proven that he can be on the court for extended periods. Especially considering there has been no update on whether or not he will even play this season. The roster around him is guard-heavy and not super flexible. Another struggle bus is due east for Philadelphia.
