The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers will improve on 52 wins

By Christopher Kline

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 18: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image was created using a variable plane lens.) Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers is introduced prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 124-116. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 18: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image was created using a variable plane lens.) Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers is introduced prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 124-116. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. A balanced schedule

Many pointed to the Sixers’ 16-game win streak as a fluke — an unsustainable run of success that can’t be replicated next season. The thing is, the Sixers can improve their record without replicating it.

Last season, the Sixers had the hardest schedule in the NBA before Christmas. As luck, and math, would have it, their schedule became the easiest in the NBA once it was done being the hardest. Things tend to balance out, and that will be no different this season.

Unlike last year, the Sixers start the season with a fairly winnable stretch of games. Here are their first 10 games: @ BOS, vs. CHI, vs. ORL, @ DET, @ MIL, vs. CHA, vs. ATL, @ TOR, vs. LAC, vs. DET.

That is only two games against teams expected to outperform the Sixers next season. Milwaukee is another mid-level playoff team, but otherwise, Detroit, Charlotte and the Clippers are the best teams. Their playoff hopes top out at the sixth seed, if that.

Of course, the Sixers will have to deal with more difficult circumstances later in the year. This 13-game stretch between January and February is mildly insane, featuring two games against the Lakers, a game in Oakland, and much more.

But then, it evens out again. Here are the Sixers’ final 16 games, for good measure:  vs.IND, vs. CLE, vs. SAC, @ MIL, @ CHA, vs. BOS, @ ATL, @ ORL, vs. BKN, @ MIN, @ DAL, @ ATL, vs. MIL, @ CHI, @ MIA, vs. CHI.

On top of the schedule, it’s important to recognize that the Sixers began last season with Jerryd Bayless in the starting lineup and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in the rotation. Their talent and depth now, compared to that group, is significantly better.

That will help the Sixers avoid a slow start, which hurt them last season.