There are just six games left for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022-23 regular season.
For the Sixers, there is a lot at stake over those last six games. Preparing for the playoffs comes first, but seeding and potential hardware for a certain big man are still up for grabs over the next two weeks.
Here are three things to watch for the 76ers over their last six games.
2, 3 or 4 Seed?
Philadelphia has bounced around the East standings throughout the season. In mid-December, they were the fifth seed. They’ve come close to taking the conference’s top seed, but they’re currently in the third spot with six games left.
At this point, it is highly unlikely that the Sixers can catch the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 1 seed, as they’re behind by five games with six games remaining.
If they’re going to move at all from their No. 3 spot, it’ll be either up to the second seed or down to the fourth.
The 76ers are two games back on the Celtics for the East’s No. 2 seed, which could prove significant, as the second seed would have home-court advantage in a second round matchup between the squads.
On Tuesday, the Celtics come to Philadelphia for the final regular season meeting between the two teams. It will be a huge matchup for playoff seeding.
The Celtics also play the Bucks on Thursday, so there’s still a chance that the 76ers can steal the second seed.
On the other hand, if Philadelphia falters in the last two weeks, the Cavaliers could take their third seed.
Cleveland is two and a half games back on the Sixers, and has a much easier remaining schedule.
Nothing is set in stone for the 76ers playoff seeding. The last six games, especially against the Celtics on Tuesday, will be massive for where they begin the playoffs.
EmMVP?
On Thursday, ESPN’s last MVP straw poll came out, and Joel Embiid led Nikola Jokic by just two points in voting despite having less first-place votes. Talk about a close race.
The two big men, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, have a chance to take the award over the last two weeks. It seems unavoidable that whoever plays best to end the season will win the award.
Embiid may have a slight advantage right now, but missing Monday’s game against Denver hurt his case a bit. Staying healthy will play a role in winning MVP.
Either way, Embiid looks like he’ll be securing his second straight scoring title, with 33.2 points per game.
While Tuesday’s game against Boston is big for the standings, Sunday’s matchup between the Bucks and 76ers might swing some MVP voters.
Antetokounmpo is still firmly in the race, leading Milwaukee to the league’s best record. Embiid having a big night in a 76ers win would be significant.
At the end of the day, this is one of the closest NBA MVP races we’ve ever seen. Rarely will the award come down to the last few games of the season.
If Embiid’s going to hold off Jokic and Antetokounmpo, he’ll have to stay healthy and maintain his incredible play.
Health + Playoff Rotation
Speaking of staying healthy, now is the most important time to do so with the playoffs looming.
Philadelphia has a few things left to manage for the postseason. Firstly is the health of their two superstars, Embiid and James Harden.
Embiid has been dealing with a calf issue for a few weeks, and Harden has an Achillies injury that’s caused him to miss a few games lately. Managing those injuries, even if it means rest, is essential for the playoffs.
Embiid missing games will almost certainly cost him the MVP. But if he and the team are more focused on a title, which they should be, resting him isn’t the worst thing.
The rest of the team has been healthy, but not everything is figured out on who will play in the postseason.
On the bench, De’Anthony Melton, Shake Milton and Georges Niang are the only players who have seemingly locked up some kind of role for the playoffs.
The backup center spot is still a question. Paul Reed has earned it with his play, but hasn’t seen consistent time. Dewayne Dedmon and Montrezl Harrell haven’t done enough to earn playoff minutes.
Right now, it looks like when Embiid is off the floor, it will be a combination of PJ Tucker and Reed at the five.
Jalen McDaniels and Danuel House also both have a lot to prove over the last six games to make the postseason rotation.
The last two weeks of the regular season will be huge for the health of Philadelphia, along with who they decide to roll with in the playoffs.
Featured image courtesy of Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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