Sixers Fight for Playoff Spot, Embiid & Maxey's Potential

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NBA News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Philadelphia Sixers face long-awed to win the NBA title this season, sitting at plus 10,000 according to Fandall Sportsbook. They're even plus 2,500, just to claim the Eastern Conference. Injuries and suspensions have hurt them lately, with Joel Mbied's sideline for at least the next three games, and Paul George out until late March. This leaves the Sixers fighting for a playoff spot, likely facing a tough road matchup in the first round against teams like the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, or Cleveland Cavaliers. None of those opponents would be pushovers, and a lower seed means more pressure early on. League insiders remain intrigued, though. ESPN reporters heard from coaches and executives who call the Sixers a wild car team. If they get healthy, the duo of Mbied and Tyrese Maxi could pose matchup problems no one else in the East matches. Mbied is ramped up lately, averaging almost 30 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists

1:03over his last 20 games. Maxi leads the way at a career high 29 points per game, with strong shooting from deep. Rookie BJ Edgecomb adds 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, putting him in a league company among first-year players. Paul George's suspension gives him rest before turning 36 in early May, and his defense ranks near the top league wide. With deaf from players like Kelly Ubrej Jr. and Quentin Grimes, a healthy Sixers squad could surprise and a wide open conference come playoff time. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode, what is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound? S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com