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Philadelphia 76ers: Sifting through the hype and finding realistic expectations

By Vince Massara

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Markelle Fultz walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Markelle Fultz walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: JJ Redick
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: JJ Redick /

Final verdict

So with all the returning playoff locks and the Miami Heat, The 76ers will be in competition with Detroit, Charlotte, Indiana, and any other flyer for the last two spots. The race for those two spots is wide open.

Whilst the Philadelphia 76ers will no doubt be a better side next season, they will need a lot to go right; a lot of the teams they are in competition with are more of a known commodity.

If Joel Embiid can play the majority of a regular season, and the rookies can contribute at, then the Sixers will make the playoffs. However, they are very big ‘ifs’. It is more likely that Embiid plays under 65 games, whilst Simmons and Fultz give average rookie production.

Even if that is the case, they are still in the mix and will be all the better for the experience.

However, calling them a lock is beyond realistic. Especially considering this is the first season in years that the Philadelphia 76ers have looked to actually win games.

Must Read: Why Chris Paul's Playoff Failures Aren't His Fault

Verdict: The Philadelphia 76ers will be in the mix for lower seeds of the Eastern Conference playoffs. More importantly, they will play meaningful basketball late in the season for the first time in five years.