4 Problems the 76ers must fix to win 2024 NBA title
By Will Eudy
Improve rebounding numbers
Once again, less than desirable rebounding numbers are an issue that can at least partly be connected to Embiid's absence. It makes sense that a lot of Philly's problems have worsened since he left the court, but especially ones connected to interior play.
While Joel was sidelined, Philadelphia was forced to play Paul Reed more, and rely on contributions from him, Tobias Harris and Mo Bamba in securing rebounds. They become a significantly smaller team without their best player, and it has been showing up on the stat sheet in a big way.
The Sixers are currently struggling at rebounding the ball at both ends of the floor. Right now, they rank 24th in total rebounds per game at 50.1, as well as 23rd in total opponent rebounds per game, giving up 52.5 a night. This is of course already a major problem.
Failing to rebound at a high level on the offensive side of things will limit your chances to score and doing so at the defensive end puts your offense in a bigger hole. Philly will no doubt be better in this department with Embiid back on the floor, but we have to hope the bad habits they created in his absence do not hang around.