NBA: 10 teams hoping to make a playoff push in the 2nd half of 2017-18

NBA: 10 teams looking to make a playoff push in the second half of 2017-18

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks drives past David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers

Record:

19-20 (9th in the East)

The Case:

The case for the Philadelphia 76ers to make a run at the playoffs is that they have elite, top-end talent that some of these other teams don’t possess. If Joel Embiid can stay on the floor, they certainly will have a fantastic opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011-12.

Embiid has played in a little less than half of the Sixers’ total minutes this season and in those minutes the Sixers have 9.2 net rating . With that kind of production, this is a team that could absolutely cause problems in a first round matchup.

The biggest concern with the Sixers is health. In the minutes when Embiid is off the floor the Sixers have a -6.8 net rating. When he is out the Sixers’ lack of shooting and depth can cause issues, especially for Ben Simmons who needs space to create. If Embiid is consistently in the lineup, Philly should have enough to grab one of the last playoff spots in the East.

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