Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris remains optimistic despite the team’s struggles this season. Speaking at a Fanatics event in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl, Harris reassured fans that the team’s fortunes could turn around now that their key players—Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—are healthy.
“Listen, we got Joel healthy. When Joel, Tyrese, and Paul are all on the court, we are a great team. So we got to keep everyone healthy. In particular, Joel is a warrior. I know he’s fighting through some stuff, and I’m really optimistic that we are going to make a playoff run now.”
“My message to Sixers fans is it’s been a tough season and we’re all in this together. We feel it. And we’re all working really hard to make it better. And thank you for supporting us.”
The Sixers have faced adversity throughout the season, but Harris believes that with their core trio finally back together, the team has what it takes to make a strong push for the playoffs.
The Sixers currently sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 20-32 record, trailing the 10th-seeded Chicago Bulls by a game and a half and sitting 5.5 games behind the 6th-seeded Detroit Pistons. Injuries have plagued the team, with Joel Embiid missing extended time, and as a result, Philadelphia has failed to gain consistency.
However, when Embiid, Maxey, and George have shared the court, the Sixers have been impressive. In the 10 games they have played together, the team has gone 7-3, showcasing their potential when fully healthy. This gives Harris confidence that the Sixers can turn things around in the final stretch of the season.
One factor working in Philadelphia’s favor is their remaining schedule. The Sixers have the 28th easiest schedule in the league for the rest of the season, giving them a real chance to string together wins and climb back into the playoff race.
Additionally, the Sixers made key midseason moves to address their weaknesses. Quentin Grimes was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks, and Jared Butler was brought in from the Washington Wizards. The team needed younger, more athletic pieces to complement its aging roster, and these acquisitions are expected to boost Philadelphia’s depth, particularly in the backcourt.
Philadelphia’s hopes largely rest on Joel Embiid’s ability to stay healthy. The reigning MVP returned after missing 15 games, and in his first game back, he delivered a 29-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against the Dallas Mavericks.
But, the team is aware of the challenges ahead. While Harris and Adelman remain optimistic about making the playoffs, they also acknowledge that Philadelphia has little room for error in the final stretch of the season.
For Philadelphia to secure a playoff spot, they need to move into at least 10th place to qualify for the Play-In Tournament. Given their healthier roster and easier schedule, they have a realistic shot at doing so. However, even if they reach the Play-In Tournament, they will face a tough road to get through to the main playoff bracket.
The current landscape of the Eastern Conference suggests that the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat are still the favorites to come out of the East. However, if the Sixers’ “Big Three” can stay healthy and find their rhythm, they could be a dangerous underdog.
The Sixers’ season has been filled with injuries, inconsistency, and disappointment, but Harris remains confident in the team’s ability to turn things around. With Joel Embiid back in action, Tyrese Maxey playing at an All-Star level, and Paul George adding his veteran leadership, Philadelphia has the pieces to make a strong push for the postseason.
While it won’t be easy, the Sixers have a more favorable schedule ahead, key midseason acquisitions, and a motivated group looking to prove themselves. If they can stay healthy and capitalize on their talent, Philadelphia could be a dangerous team heading into the playoffs—a team that nobody would want to face in a seven-game series.
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