Sixers’ Recent Streak Helps Make Top 5 Push in NBA Power Rankings

The Sixers crack The Athletic's NBA Power Rankings Top 5.

Despite the unwanted drama over the course of the offseason caused by the disgruntled ten-time All-Star James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers never let the noise distract them.

While they managed to weather the storm before cutting the cord with Harden rather early, they never missed a step before and after quickly swapping out two starters for a handful of new rotational pieces.

Following a win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, the Sixers improved their record to 29-13. They are a half a game back from the second-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and are a few games out from the top seed, which is protected by the Boston Celtics.

All in all, the Sixers have been just as solid as they’ve been in the past, despite splitting up the dominant duo of James Harden and Joel Embiid. A lot of that has to do with Embiid’s shocking improvement following an MVP campaign and Tyrese Maxey’s impressive development while filling in for the traded Harden.

Top 5 for the Second Time

In this week’s NBA power rankings put together by The Athletic, the Sixers find themselves in the top five for just the second time this season. They improved for the third straight week after seeing themselves slide three weeks in a row.

Before the season started, the Sixers knew that as long as they had Joel Embiid, they would be competitive. While Embiid’s health has been somewhat of an issue, which has caused more losing than winning during the stretches he’s out, the big man is often unstoppable when he’s playing.

Since December, Embiid has averaged a league-high 40 points in just 34 minutes of action. He’s scoring in high volume very efficiently, knocking down 58 percent of his field goals, 42 percent of his threes, and 90 percent of his free throws.

Over the past week, the Sixers have participated in five games, all of which resulted in victories. Currently, they are on a six-game win streak before hitting the road for a five-game road stand, which should have Embiid on board.

Barring a colossal collapse, the Sixers should be in good shape to remain one of the biggest threats in the early rounds of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. However, the questions about their ability to pose a threat in the championship rounds still remain the biggest question in January.