Mid-Season Report Card: Sixers

They're the biggest threat to Brooklyn, possess the number one seed, and they have the leading MVP candidate.

Embiid can't be stopped

The only thing that can stop Joel Embiid is unfortunately his injury history. He's leading the MVP race and teams don't have an answer for him. Embiid's averages are 30 and 11, statistically giving him the edge over LeBron, and Philadelphia's record alone gives him the edge over the Joker.

He alone can't guarantee the Sixers success in the postseason, but Tobias Harris has taken a huge step forward, Ben Simmons is an all-star again, and Seth Curry works better in their offense than Josh Richardson did. Doc Rivers will be neck and neck with Quin Snyder of the Jazz for Coach of the Year honors.

Playoffs

Philly will surely get past whatever first round opponent they are pitted against, and the second round should go their way, too. The Miamis and Milwaukees will be threats, but prepare for a Nets-Sixers showdown in June. The Nets would probably rather face anyone else, because even with their star-power, they can't guard The Process.

The Sixers would love to dethrone who everyone deemed the East favorites before The Finals even begin.

Deadline

Mike Scott's contract and a young asset of Tyrese Maxey could certainly be on the table for a March transaction, and Philly is a contender that would surely enter the buyout market.

Could they land JJ Redick and bring him not only back to the team, but also to his former coach Doc Rivers? That would certainly help their spacing around Simmons and Embiid.

Grade:

A