Although not the top ranked Eastern squad on the list the 76ers do pull ahead of the Celtics and Raptors this week by virtue of the teams they defeated (Rockets, Spurs) and their overall performance. Joel Embiid has been nothing short of spectacular in January with his team following his lead amassing an 11-5 record. The 76ers early road struggles improved in January where they produced a 6-3 record. During the month Philly ranked fifth offensively and on net differential but slipped defensively.
To start week 17 the club has 29 games remaining. Of those, 14 occur on the road and 15 at the Wells Fargo Center. A further are against seeded squads and five sets of back to backs fall in this schedule segment.
There is some concern over Jimmy Butler’s wrist with him visiting a specialist to determine the severity. He still played after the fact though so the presumption is it’s nothing too serious.
Ben Simmons will join teammate (and starter Embiid) at the All-Star Game after getting the nod from coaches as a reserve.
Offensive Rating: 9th (111.2)
Defensive Rating: 12th (108.1)
Net Differential: 9th ( +3.1)
Points per game: 115.6 (4th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 47.3 percent (7th)
3-Point percent: 36.2% (7th)
Opponent points per game: 112.2 ( 22nd)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 45.1 percent (tied 7th)
Opponent 3-point percent: 34.7% (tied 10th)
Record: 4th in EC
Home: 21-5 | Road: 11-13 | Back to back sets: 8
Versus the East: 20-13 | West: 12-5
Week 15, 2-1: Won Rockets, Spurs, Lost to Nuggets
On tap for week 16: @Lakers, @Warriors, @Kings