by After a convincing overtime win against the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to show what their potential is.
The superstar play of Tyrese Maxey, along with the much-improved Joel Embiid, has the Sixers looking like a dangerous team in a weaker Eastern Conference.
Maxey Performing at An All-NBA Level
Many thought, after Tyrese Maxey’s blazing start to the season, that he would show noticeable decline, but that has not been the case over the first half of the season.
Maxey is third in the NBA in scoring, averaging over 30 points per game, to go with nearly seven assists and north of two steals. His high-volume three-point shooting has led to countless easy looks at the rim. His blurring speed and creativity keep defenders on their toes at all times.
Perhaps the most essential part of Maxey’s stellar season has been his ability to close games. He is fourth in the league in clutch points per game (4.8) and fifth in fourth-quarter points per game (7.7).
The first-time all-star starter has been one of the most reliable players in the league this season.
Embiid is Catching Fire
After a very slow start to the season, many worried that the former MVP’s time is running out. Recently, he has turned back the clock. In the past 15 games, Embiid has averaged over 28 points and eight rebounds on an efficient 62.4% true shooting.
Embiid’s superb spot-up shooting has returned, once more making him one of the most dangerous offensive players around.
Although his offensive excellence has been reborn, his lack of athleticism has kept him among the more flawed defensive centers. Injuries have turned him from one of the elite rim protectors with impressive mobility into a liability. With Joel Embiid on the floor, Philly ranks as an average defense with a 114.4 defensive rating (via databallr.com).
But the biggest worry for the Sixers long-term success is, as always, Embiid’s health, which can never be relied on.
Solid Depth Will Keep Them Afloat
Despite Joel Embiid’s injuries, Maxey and the surprising depth have kept them in a playoff spot. Without Embiid, Philly is 10-9, with rookie VJ Edgecombe and veterans Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. stepping up.
Edgecombe has been a rookie standout; among rookies, he is third in points per game (15.6), third in assists (4.2), and first in steals (1.5). A key contributor to his early success is the responsibility Nick Nurse has given him, letting him run the offense at times and create his own shots.
As for the veterans, George and Oubre, neither is what they once were, but they still provide solid defense, ball-handling abilities, and self-creation.
Are They Good Enough to Be an East Contender?
In a weaker East, Philly has plenty of talent to win a series or two — unfortunately, it seems naive at this point to have faith in their health.
Even though they are very talented, Embiid and the Sixers have not proven they can stay healthy long enough to make a serious playoff run.
