The Philadelphia 76ers are set to kick off the 2022-23 season later this month. As the start of the season approaches, our Sixers staff has taken the time to lay out their predictions for the upcoming season:
Aaron “AB” Bell Sixers W/L prediction: 60-24
In the past, when the starters are out of the lineup, those games were looked at as a loss due to the lack of NBA depth behind them. This year Sixers management went out and addressed the issue by adding players like P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, and Montrezl Harrell.
These additions will help position the team for more wins this season, even when scheduled days off for starters. Although the team will have many new faces, a full offseason of work sets the team up for success. The team will progressively get better over the season; gelling and learning their roles will lead them to a 60-24 regular season record and the number one seed in the eastern conference.
Andy Quach Sixers W/L prediction: 55-27
The Sixers have both the top-end talent and depth necessary to dominate in the regular season. If James Harden and Joel Embiid can play 60-ish games each, it should be a lock that Embiid nabs his highest regular-season win total this year. The ceiling of this team in the postseason will come down to how well Tobias Harris can perform as a tertiary option. Can he be a $37 million 3-and-D extraordinaire?
Ashlee Woods Sixers W/L prediction: 55-27
I think this could be the season where the Sixers break free from the second-round curse. Joel Embiid is going to be a pivotal factor on the floor as he has been for the past few seasons. Where I’m looking to see if this team can actually go deep in the playoffs is the depth chart. Tyrese Maxey and James Harden should be a great shooting tandem.
The development of Matisse Thybulle’s offensive game adds another dynamic as well. It’s important for the 1-4 players to step up and execute. We’ve seen what this team can do when every player contributes. They’re hard to beat.
Two games I’m looking at early are the opener against the Celtics and the Warriors in December. The Celtics have had the Sixers’ number as of late. Getting a crucial conference win could set the Sixers up for success early. The Warriors are the defending champs, with most of that team returning. If the Sixers are going to be a top defense in the league, they must execute on both ends against one of the most potent offenses.
Jacqueline Nikpour Sixers W/L prediction: 58-24
I’m not ever one to think a Philly team will win the championship because I’ve lived here too long, and I know better. But the way this team’s shifting its focus away from an MVP and towards legit team cohesion and depth that doesn’t rely on one guy being on the court…I think it’s a huge turning point. They’re more talented and more of a cohesive unit than they’ve been since the AI days.
Justin Crosby Sixers W/L prediction: 56-26
The Philadelphia 76ers come into this season with very high expectations with the off-season moves that were made. The Sixers focused on adding defense and toughness with their additions of De’Anthony Melton, P.J. Tucker, and Danuel House. With James Harden back in shape, his play could help catapult the Sixers to the top of the Eastern Conference and championship contenders.
With the new additions, a healthy Harden, and Embiid, the Sixers will end the season with a record of 56-26, 2nd in the East. Joel Embiid will be NBA All-Second Team and James Harden will end up with All-NBA Third team honors. This is the year the Sixers finally make it to the conference finals.
Tim Sullivan Sixers W/L prediction: 64-18
This year is the year for the Sixers. Over the off-season, they addressed their two needs of toughness and bench depth to the point where a player like Shake Milton might not see much time. When Joel Embiid was hurt against Toronto, the team was concerned, but there was no fear from the Raptors.
P.J. Tucker addresses that toughness and will make teams more hesitant to attack star players like Embiid, Harden & Maxey.
The key to this season, in my opinion, is the addition of De’Anthony Melton. His high-level defense should give the team what they had hoped Matisse Thybulle would become while contributing close to 13 pts per game. In the end, it will come down to the health of Embiid and Harden coupled with Maxeys continued improvement. In the end, the Sixers will make the NBA finals and finish 59-13.
Trey Barnett Sixers W/L prediction: 60-22
The 76ers made the most of their offseason, revamping their entire bench and getting their starters healthy. They acquired De’Anthony Melton (trade), P.J. Tucker (free agent), Danuel House Jr. (free agent), and Montrezl Harrell (free agent).
An unselfish and healthy James Harden combined with perennial MVP contender Joel Embiid and future of the franchise Tyrese Maxey’s next developmental leap will help guide the Sixers to the top seed of the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid’s health is always a worry for Philadelphia, but thanks to the savvy moves made by President Daryl Morey, the Sixers will be set up to contend this season at the very least.
Zach Ciavolella Sixers W/L prediction: 55-27
The Philadelphia 76ers could quite possibly be on the precipice of their greatest season in decades. With that in mind, the regular season is almost inconsequential in the grand scheme.
With additions of P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Montrezl Harrell, and even more provide the Sixers with an impressive blend of regular season innings eaters and postseason performers that could potentially take the team to their highest level since 2001, when they reached the NBA Finals.
Fifty-five wins may seem pessimistic, but it purely reflects the focus of the Sixers this season, which will be on preparing for the postseason. This squad is the deepest the Sixers have rostered in decades, so even in games that Joel Embiid, James Harden, or even Tyrese Maxey miss, the team will remain competitive.
Speaking of being competitive, the Eastern Conference will be the most parity it has seen in some time. With the additions of Donovan Mitchell by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dejounte Murray by the Atlanta Hawks, Malcolm Brogdon by the Boston Celtics (who just reached the Finals themselves), and even teams like the Detroit Pistons who added a bevy of veterans, the East is stronger from top to bottom.
Despite these many additions, the Sixers will hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference as they look to push the limit of their ability. With any luck, they will push all the way to an NBA Champions.
