The Philadelphia 76ers definitely aren't in great shape as a franchise –– at least, that is what the league is signaling following their most recent decision to entirely skip them over in the annual Christmas Games slated for this year.
After three straight seasons of being a part of the NBA's Christmas Day slate, the 76ers will be sitting out this year. Some may call this a "snub", but in reality, the team probably deserves to get the cold shoulder on this one.
Last season, Philadelphia somehow managed to turn in arguably the best win on Christmas –– and their best win all season long –– when they defeated the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, on the road to the tune of a close four-point win. Of course, everything went downhill after their signature win, but that was definitely one of the most memorable dubs of the entire season.
Entering the 2025-26 season, the 76ers carry with them a slew of question marks despite already being shrouded in complete mystery. Their range of possible results is as ample as it can get, with this team having the capability to be a top-notch contender while also having the makings of a possible lottery squad.
The 76ers get a harsh reminder after Christmas Game snub
Looking at the teams who got the call to play on Christmas, the exclusion of the 76ers makes complete sense.
As first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, the following squads will see action on December 25: Cavaliers, Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, Rockets, Lakers, Mavericks, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Nuggets.
The Thunder are a given as they are reigning champs. And of course, the Lakers, Knicks, and Warriors –– being the league's biggest market teams –– will most likely never sit out on Christmas.
The Cavaliers, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Nuggets are likewise easy shoo-ins due to their heavy success in recent years, especially last season. Meanwhile, the Spurs and Mavericks have some of the brightest prospects in the NBA with the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, not to mention established stars in Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.
Unlike those teams, the 76ers are not bringing anything new to the table to spice things up on Christmas given their mysterious profile. The league is counting on narratives to drive up ratings, and Philly currently does not have that compelling air on them. Heck, even the Celtics and the Pacers will be sitting out due to their best players sidelined with injuries.
While this may be an unfamiliar sight for newer 76ers fans, this is not in any way a slight against them. The league is calling a spade a spade, and right now, Philly ain't it.