76ers' silver lining to possible nightmare won't be much comfort for fans

The Philadelphia 76ers, who finished with the fifth-worst record in the league last season at 24-58, are expected to significantly improve and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season due to their high talent level.

Key players Joel Embiid and Paul George, who missed substantial time due to injuries last season, are anticipated to play more games, raising the team's performance floor. Additionally, the team added young talent through the draft, such as VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome, providing fresher options compared to aging veterans.

Despite health-related uncertainties, the 76ers are unlikely to perform worse than last season, as injury luck is expected to normalize. Furthermore, the team has limited incentive to tank, as their draft pick is only top-four protected; otherwise, it will be conveyed to the Thunder, motivating them to win as many games as possible.