The Philadelphia 76ers finished the 2024-25 season with a 24-58 record, their worst mark in the last eight years. That standing also marked the first time they missed the playoffs since the 2017-18 season.
Injuries to key players derailed the 76ers’ aspirations to compete in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With another season approaching, their fans should rekindle their optimism, especially with a wide-open field.
However, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey tempered the expectations of the 76ers fanbase with his win prediction for the 2025-26 season after the schedule release. If it becomes true, Philadelphia is in for a long season.
The 76ers are projected to miss the postseason again
Bailey predicted the Philadelphia 76ers to finish with a 38-44 regular-season record. Typically, that standing could be enough to earn the Sixers a play-in spot. However, Bailey hinted that the health status of Paul George and Joel Embiid will largely dictate the team’s fate.
“But given the age of George (35) and the injury history of Embiid, it's getting increasingly difficult to imagine anything but injury-plagued seasons for this core. Sixty-plus appearances for either of those stars is unlikely,” he wrote.
If Embiid and George remain sidelined for extended periods, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and rookie VJ Edgecombe will have a free path to constantly develop. Likewise, Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry provide more veteran presence and guidance to their younger teammates.
Meanwhile, FanDuel Sportsbook has the 76ers’ over/under at 41.5 wins. Denver will open the season on October 23 against the Golden State Warriors. Bookies.com’s Bill Speros also wrote that the Nuggets will travel the 13th-most miles (44,457.40) across 45 time zones and 20 road trips. The 2022-23 NBA champions will also have 12 back-to-back games on schedule.