NBA Writer Thinks Philadelphia 76ers ‘Should Land Home-Court Advantage’ in 2026 Playoffs

One NBA writer thinks the Philadelphia 76ers “should land home-court advantage” in the 2026 playoffs.

Howard Beck, senior NBA writer for The Ringer, believes the Sixers could shock everyone next season after having a putrid 2024-25 campaign.

Philadelphia missed the 2025 playoffs for the first time since 2017 and All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey only played in 15 games together due to injuries.

“Point being, there is no shortage of talent here if the Sixers can just get through one season without injuries or chemistry issues derailing them,” Beck wrote. “The doubts are understandable (fool me twice, etc.). But the upside is undeniable. There’s a world where the Sixers are legitimately good, maybe even great. But yeah, maybe don’t bet the mortgage on them just yet.”

The Eastern Conference will be wide open next season since Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton won’t play and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum could miss the entire campaign as well.

On paper, the Sixers have a talented roster, led by Embiid, George, Maxey, Jared McCain, Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and rookie VJ Edgecombe.

Philadelphia hasn’t advanced past the second round of the postseason in the Embiid era. Embiid, the 2023 MVP, underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery in April. He has played in only 58 games over the last two seasons.

It’s unknown if Embiid will be ready for training camp. The Sixers signed Embiid to a three-year, $192 million extension in September 2024. The 31-year-old center is owed $248 million over the next four seasons.

“I know he’s working very, very hard and I think things look good,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told Brian T. Smith of talkSPORT about Embiid. “Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his nearest capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.”