Philadelphia 76ers: 5 reasons the Sixers will improve on 52 wins

5 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers will improve on 52 wins

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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4. Continuity

The Sixers had the best five-man lineup in the NBA last season — their starting five. According to Basketball Reference, Simmons-Redick-Covington-Saric-Embiid outscored opponents by an average of 20.4 points per 100 possessions.

That began early in the season and continued to the end, with Ben Simmons making Brett Brown’s up-tempo offense click. J.J. Redick had a career year, Robert Covington made first team All-Defense and Joel Embiid remains one of the most impactful two-way players on the planet.

Now that group will return next season. Even without a big-name addition, just keeping the starting five in tact was an important accomplishment for the front office. There’s reason to believe that group can carry the momentum from last season into the upcoming campaign.

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Some changes were made to the bench, but T.J. McConnell and Markelle Fultz will remain important parts of the rotation. Amir Johnson should see some minutes at the five as well. Some of the Sixers’ most effective lineups came with Johnson on the floor.

After a slow start last season, the Sixers were able to figure things out. Now they have that knowledge, as well as another offseason of chemistry, to build on. Losing Belinelli and Ilyasova hurts, but the Sixers upgraded their defense in the process.

Again, don’t expect any slippage.