Predicting how the Philadelphia 76ers will fare in the 2024 NBA Cup

The 2024-25 NBA Season is fast approaching, and one of the things many are looking forward to, to the surprise of fans who initially expressed doubt about its viability, is the novel NBA In-Season Tournament (now named Emirates NBA Cup). In the previous campaign, the Philadelphia 76ers fumbled in the group stage, failing to advance to the knockout stage.

This time around, the 76ers are part of East Pool A. Just like last season, they will have to finish with the best record in the group to secure a berth outright and adcance to the next stage. A wildcard finish would also suffice, but that’s not totally within the control of the aspirant team.

How will Philadelphia fare this time around?

Predicting how the 76ers will fare in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup

Comprising East Pool A alongside the 76ers are the Knicks, Magic, Hornets, and the Nets. Three teams in the bunch made it to the playoffs last season, making the group one of the most competitive ones in the Conference.

Out of those teams, New York undoubtedly poses the biggest challenge. Having knocked out Philly in the playoffs last season, they bolstered their roster with Mikal Bridges while also welcoming back a healthier Julius Randle and OG Anunoby this time around. Reckoned as one of the best teams in the East, the Knicks are near-guaranteed to finish near the top of the standings.

Orlando, a team on the rise, has the stylings of a club that can surprise many and make it out of the group stage. Their suffocating defense bodes well for high-stakes contests like the NBA Cup games, and they certainly have the tools to make life tough for the 76ers’ trio.

Meanwhile, Charlotte will have LaMelo Ball this time around, but they don’t really have much working for them, especially stylistically, against Philly, They don’t have consistent defenders on the roster, and have absolutely no answer for Joel Embiid.

And then, we have Brooklyn, a team whom most have penciled in as the cellar-dweller in the 2024-25 season. If the 76ers lose to the Nets, they should just forego any goal they have in the In-Season Tournament.

Call me biased, but a 4-0 finish for the 76ers is very likely. They will be playing at home against the Knicks, easily their toughest draw in the group stage. As long as the team is healthy, they should be able to make it to the knockout round and proceed to Vegas for the semis and finals.