Analyst’s way-too-modest 76ers prediction should raise some eyebrows

   

A lot of eyes will be lasered in on the Philadelphia 76ers next season. Despite the Eastern Conference’s growing power across the board, the team still managed to stand out and create some separation from other up-and-comers thanks to the massive waves they’ve made this offseason.

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Following a masterclass in star acquisition care of Daryl Morey by snagging Paul George in the open market, the front office followed suit by pulling off a slew of understated, yet clever moves that should ensure the team’s staying power near, if not at the top, of the East in the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

While an improvement in the standings should be expected, it seems like some aren’t too convinced about the team making a significant one.

Analyst predicts insignificant improvement for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024-25

Following the release of the 2024-25 regular season schedule, Bleacher Report, penned by Andy Bailey, put out its customary win-loss predictions for every team. He, however, projects only a modest improvement for Philadelphia in the standings.

Bailey set the magic number at 52 wins for the 76ers next season, largely owing the lack of an actual jump in the win-loss card (they won 47 games in 2023-24) to Joel Embiid and George being injury-prone anchors, especially given their age.

Hedging against overestimations is common in early season predictions, but the 76ers easily have the makings of a team that should flirt with 56 wins or more. Even when factoring in the games that Embiid and George will inevitably miss due to injury or load management, the club is now much more well-armed to handle an absence from a star or two.

Perhaps, the East being a much deeper pool than before plays a factor here, but the 76ers are a cut above most of their competitors in the conference. As long as their stars remain relatively healthy, there is way too much two-way brilliance on this roster to only predict a five-win jump. Hopefully, 52 wins registers as their sheer baseline for next season.