For 76ers fans, the 2025-2026 NBA season has seen Philadelphia in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. Since Allen Iverson was traded from Philadelphia to the Denver Nuggets, postseason play for the Birthplace of America has been hit-or-miss.
When Joel Embiid was drafted third overall in the first round of 2014, 76ers fans finally thought they had their franchise center since the glory days of Moses Malone and the 76ers of the 80s. However, coming out of the gate, Embiid spent much of his rookie year on the injury list. He would rebound his sophomore season, but nagging knee injuries continued to follow him.
During the early Embiid years, Philadelphia didn't offer much of a supporting cast. However, with the addition of Jimmy Butler, things changed for the 76ers as they hoped to advance to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2001. Their hearts were dashed with a last-second game winner by Kawahi Leonard in game seven of the 2019 Eastern semi-finals.
From there, it was an odyssey for the 76ers. More knee injuries plagued Embiid, and there was a revolving door of help mates, including James Harden. Still, injuries and team chemistry derailed Embiid and the 76ers.
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, the Boston Celtics were the heavy and unanimous favorites to win the NBA Finals again. However, an unfortunate ACL injury to Jayson Tatum in the Eastern Conference Finals shook up the entire Eastern Conference landscape. Essentially, heading into the 2025-2026 season, the Atlantic Division became a two-team race between the Knicks and the 76ers, with the top PA sportsbooks offering betting sites bonuses around 76ers mania.
Currently, the 76ers are in fourth place in the Atlantic, behind the Knicks and the surprising Celtics at 16-12. However, the record is misleading. Embiid and the 76ers are rolling, having won two of their last three, and are also getting healthy right before the All-Star break. This also comes at a time when the Knicks are dealing with injuries of their own.
The Sixers are still waiting on the return of Kelly Oubre Jr., as they practiced on Monday ahead of their home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Oubre has not played since suffering a left knee sprain on Nov. 14 in a loss to the Detroit Pistons, but he has made it into individual workout sessions on the floor. Still, out of caution, Oubre Jr didn't suit up on Tuesday's win against the Nets. Head Coach Nick Nurse is optimistic about Oubre Jr. about returning to the hardwood, with this remark, "He's been on the court a little bit...So that's a good sign."
Embiid, yet again is dealing with knee injuries. Embiid managed to participate in a full team practice after missing the last two due to other health reasons besides his knee. Still, that didn't dampen the oddsmakers' confidence about Embiid and the 76ers winning the Atlantic Division. Embiid's return Tuesday night was rewarded with their faith.
Even though Embiid left with a hyper-extended knee, it doesn't appear to be serious. He later returned to the game. With a healthy Embiid, Oubre Jr., and Tyrese Maxey, the odds of the 76ers leap-frogging the Celtics are more than possible.
The Celtics are playing inspired ball, but the absence of Tatum is bound to catch up with them in the second half of the season. Also, missing from the Celtics rotation is Al Horford, a matchup nightmare in the past for the 76ers.
If the 76ers can get healthy and go on extended runs, the odds favor them getting into second place. The Knicks are in first place at the moment under first-year head coach Mike Brown. Still, the 20-9 Knicks are looking for more help beyond Karl Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. They are heavily rumored to be trying to trade for Cavs' center, Grant Afseth.
Brunson has been dealing with an ankle issue, as are Miles McBride and OG Anunoby. These two, and three other key Knicks, are day-to-day decisions. If they miss considerable time to rest and heal, the 76ers have a window to make up the game before the post-All-Star push.
