NBA: Way-too-early playoff predictions for the 2021-22 season

4. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have some big decisions to make over the course of the next few weeks. They need to decide whether they’re going to trade Ben Simmons or not and after that, how they are going to handle the backlash (one way or another).

Either way, what this team does have going for them is Joel Embiid as he was recently signed to a huge contract extension. When he’s healthy, he’s the best big man in the modern game and is extremely dominant when he wants to be.

The concern with the Sixers comes with their supporting cast, especially if Simmons is not going to be on the roster this upcoming season. Depending on what they get back in exchange, there’s a very good chance that this team will take a bit of a step back this season.