NBA: Predicting the East playoff picture at the midway point of the 2017-18 season

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a last second shot against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Heat defeat the Celtics 90-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a last second shot against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Heat defeat the Celtics 90-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks onto the court as a fan holds up a sign prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks onto the court as a fan holds up a sign prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Current Seed: 9th 

Record: 19-20

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 22

The Philadelphia 76ers are two teams. When Joel Embiid plays, the 76ers are a playoff team that won’t be easy to beat in a seven game series, but without him they look more like a lottery team. As long as Embiid stays healthy and avoids any serious injuries or setbacks, then Philadelphia should make the playoffs this season.

Plus, add in the fact that Markelle Fultz should return in the coming weeks. Don’t be surprised to see the Sixers make a potential first round series with the Boston Celtics quite interesting.

Prediction: 8 seed