Heading into the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament, the Philadelphia 76ers are full of unknowns.
As Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James calls it, they are “Harvey Dent–two-face vibe.”
When the team is healthy, the Sixers are often regarded as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. If Joel Embiid is absent from the lineup, they struggle to fill the void.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, they are going into their Wednesday night action against the Orlando Magic without Joel Embiid on the court. The veteran center recently underwent surgery. He’s expected to be out for the tournament, and could potentially miss a playoff run if the Sixers get there.
LeBron James Praises The Best Version Of The 76ers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“I mean, they got three of the most talented players in the NBA,” James said on Mind The Game this week.
“You look at what Paul George can do on a basketball floor–three-level scorer–paint, mid-range, threes, defend. Obviously, Joel Embiid, MVP-caliber type of player anytime he’s healthy and on the floor. Tyrese Maxey, he could very well be a first-team All-NBA guy on any given year the way he’s been playing. And a young talent [VJ Edgecombe], who will be maybe First-Team All-Rookie? Then vets, you know, Kelly Oubre, and some of those guys are playing good ball.”
James’ co-host Steve Nash chimed in with a comment that most would agree with.
“We want to see it!” said the Hall of Famer.
“Which [Sixers] are we going to get? When they’re rolling, when Embiid is playing. He’s in the mid-range, he’s on the low block, he’s motivated. You know, Maxey is burning down the highway, you know, playing on the auto-bond, shooting the step back threes, getting into the lane. PG, silky smooth. They have the ability to pull up 140 on you in any given night on 45, and you get them to buy in defensively? They can make headlines,” LeBron claimed.
The Sixers Have Plenty Of Pressure
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The record says the Sixers aren’t true contenders. Their payroll says they better be.
After dropping out of the first round in the NBA Playoffs two years ago and missing the postseason altogether last year, jobs might be on the line in Philadelphia. The pressure is high heading into the Magic matchup in South Philly on Monday.
The 76ers have done better in the absence of Embiid throughout this season, but the stakes are higher than ever this week. If the 76ers win, they’ll pick up a first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
A loss would send the Sixers to the final Play-In game against the Charlotte Hornets or the Miami Heat in order to win a round against the Detroit Pistons.
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