At a Glance
Philadelphia 76ers by the Numbers
45-372025-26 record · 7th in the East
Lost East semis0-4 vs. New York
+900Title odds · tied with NYK
38Embiid games played in 2025-26
Title odds via DraftKings as of September 28, 2026. Odds move frequently.
The File
The Case For — and the Cracks
The case for
- Tyrese Maxey carried the offense in 2025-26: 28.3 points and 6.6 assists across 70 games.
- Star talent added. Philadelphia traded Paul George to Boston for 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown on July 1, then signed LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million deal on July 26.
- A second-year riser. VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in 2025, averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 75 games as a rookie.
- They've shown resilience. The Sixers became the first team in franchise history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit, beating the 2-seed Celtics in seven games.
Warning signs
- Embiid's availability. He played 38 regular-season games in 2025-26 (26.9 points per game) and seven in the playoffs. He's back in preseason action, but a full season remains the exception, not the expectation.
- The Knicks gap. New York swept Philadelphia 4-0 in the second round on the way to the title — and the teams meet again on opening night.
- Age and fit. LeBron is 41 and signed into a reduced role, and Maxey, Brown, Edgecombe, Embiid and James all need the ball. Nick Nurse has to make it fit.
- Early backcourt injuries. Anfernee Simons was held out of preseason games in early October, thinning the guard depth behind Maxey.
Swing Factor
The X-Factor
The X-factor
Joel Embiid's games played
When Embiid plays, Philadelphia has a top-five player surrounded by more talent than at any point in his career. He has played 38 or fewer regular-season games in back-to-back seasons, though. The Brown and LeBron additions give the Sixers a higher floor without him — but their title case depends on Embiid being on the floor in April and May.
The Roster
Core Pieces for 2026-27
| Player | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Maxey | PG | 28.3 PPG, 6.6 APG in 2025-26 |
| Joel Embiid | C | 38 games, 26.9 PPG in 2025-26 |
| Jaylen Brown | F | Acquired from Boston for Paul George (July 1) |
| VJ Edgecombe | G | 16.0 PPG as a rookie |
| LeBron James | F | Signed 2 years, $8M (July 26); age 41 |
| Anfernee Simons | G | Signed in free agency |
Head coach: Nick Nurse.
Last Season
How 2025-26 Ended
Philadelphia went 45-37 and reached the playoffs as the No. 7 seed through the play-in, beating Orlando 109-97. The Sixers then rallied from 3-1 down to beat Boston in seven games — the first such comeback in franchise history.
The Knicks swept them 4-0 in the East semifinals and went on to win the championship.
Circle These
Key Dates
| Date | Game |
|---|---|
| Tue, Oct 20 | at New York Knicks · 7 PM ET, NBC/Peacock (Knicks ring night, LeBron's Sixers debut) |
| Wed, Nov 25 | vs. Miami Heat · Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat visit Philadelphia |
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 76ers win the 2026-27 NBA title?
Oddsmakers think they have a real chance. As of September 28, 2026, DraftKings listed Philadelphia at +900, tied with the New York Knicks and behind only the co-favorite Spurs and Thunder at +270.
What moves did the 76ers make this offseason?
Philadelphia traded Paul George to the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown on July 1, 2026, signed LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million veteran-minimum contract on July 26, and signed guard Anfernee Simons in free agency.
How did the 76ers' 2025-26 season end?
The 76ers went 45-37, won a play-in game against Orlando to earn the No. 7 seed, came back from 3-1 down to beat the Boston Celtics in the first round, and were then swept 4-0 by the New York Knicks in the East semifinals.
How many games did Joel Embiid play in 2025-26?
Joel Embiid played 38 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists, plus seven playoff games.
When do the 76ers open the 2026-27 season?
Philadelphia opens at the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7 PM ET on NBC/Peacock, the night the Knicks raise their championship banner and LeBron James makes his Sixers debut.
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