NBA: Mid-season playoff seeding predictions for the East and West

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Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and James Harden (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) /

4. Philadelphia 76ers

This is where the second tier of the Eastern Conference begins. From here on forward, these are the teams that need to likely make a big(gish) move at the NBA Trade Deadline to emerge as a real championship contender.

The Philadelphia 76ers have top elite talent. There may not be a better duo than James Harden and Joel Embiid when they’re healthy. Tyrese Maxey has also emerged as a strong third option for the team over the last year and a half. All that said, it’s easy to see why this team still needs help. Watching them, they still feel a piece away.

But it remains to be seen if that piece is going to be available to them at the trade deadline. If the Sixers can find the right piece, this is a team that could potentially win a championship this season.