The Sixer Sense
Fansided

How do the Philadelphia 76ers stack up against the other 29 NBA teams?

By Christopher Kline

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics

2017-18 record: 55-27

2017-18 season series: 3-1, Celtics

2018-19 advantage: Celtics

After rolling through the Sixers in five games during the playoffs, it’s clear that the Celtics have a leg up heading into the 2018-19 season. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are both healthy, while Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are trending upward.

With all that said, Al Horford might still be the Sixers’ kryptonite — a versatile big capable of defending all five positions and stretching the floor on the other end. He puts Embiid in uncomfortable positions and is a legitimate All-Defense candidate.

Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ bench cement their status as the superior team. The Sixers need a more dynamic halfcourt offense — something Markelle Fultz can provide — but even then, it’s difficult to fathom the Celtics going down if they’re operating at 100 percent.

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are elite, generational talents. Their presence alone will put the Sixers in the NBA Finals discussion. Just don’t expect the Celtics to be anything other than heavy favorites all season long.