Philadelphia enters the 2026–27 season with one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in basketball. The biggest question isn't talent. It's Joel Embiid's availability.
S³ projects the Sixers to win 57 games even without assuming a full season from Embiid. The addition of Jaylen Brown changes the complexion of this team. When availability is included in the equation, Brown has a legitimate case as Philadelphia's most dependable all-around player. His ability to score, defend multiple positions and operate without dominating the basketball should make life considerably easier for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
LeBron James shouldn't have to carry a massive workload either. Philadelphia has enough offensive creation and defensive versatility around him to allow the 41-year-old James to conserve himself throughout the regular season and pick his spots.
THE EMBIID FACTOR
This is where Philadelphia could go from excellent to dominant.
If Embiid plays 60–65 games at a high level, S³ believes Philadelphia is a 60+ win team.
A healthy Embiid gives the Sixers something their already-loaded perimeter group cannot replicate: an elite interior scorer, rim protector and matchup problem capable of completely changing a playoff series.
S³ PROJECTION
57–25
WITH 60–65 HEALTHY EMBIID GAMES
60–62+ wins
CEILING
NBA championship
The Sixers don't need Embiid to carry them through the regular season anymore. They need him healthy enough to help finish the job in April, May and June.
S³ BOTTOM LINE
Embiid determines the ceiling. Jaylen Brown stabilizes the floor. And Philadelphia finally has enough talent around both of them to survive without asking any one player to carry the entire load.
