Breaking down the 76ers seeding scenarios for the 2024 NBA Playoffs

As the regular season winds down, Philadelphia finds itself riding a wave of momentum with a five-game win streak and the return of reigning MVP Joel Embiid to the lineup. After a two-month absence due to a meniscus injury, Embiid seems to be regaining his postseason form at just the right time.

Guided by championship coach Nick Nurse, the Sixers also benefit from the stellar performance of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who has notched an impressive three 50-point games this season.

Recalling last season’s remarkable journey of an Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament team to the NBA Finals, Philadelphia harbors hopes of replicating such success. While securing a top-six spot in the East remains within reach, the Play-In Tournament seems the more probable path for the team. Nonetheless, the 76ers appear well-equipped to make a deep postseason run.

Let’s delve into the various playoff scenarios, potential opponents, and standings as the Sixers’ season approaches its conclusion.

76ers Playoff Scenarios for 2024:

With two games left in their regular season schedule, the Sixers’ lowest possible seeding is eighth in the Eastern Conference.

While clinching the fourth or fifth seed is improbable with a 3.9 percent chance, Philadelphia has a reasonable 15.5 percent chance of securing the sixth seed and avoiding the Play-In Tournament. Presently, they hold a 50.5 percent chance of finishing seventh and a 31.0 percent chance of finishing eighth, placing them in a strong position for the Play-In Tournament.

Securing the No. 6 Seed:

To clinch the sixth seed, the Sixers must outperform the Knicks, Cavaliers, Pacers, Magic, and Heat. Given that they have lost the regular-season series against the Knicks and Pacers while splitting it with the Cavaliers, they must finish at least one game ahead of the Pacers to leapfrog them in the standings.

Clinching the No. 7 Seed:

If Philadelphia secures the seventh seed, they would host the No. 8 seed in the Play-In Tournament. Alternatively, if they finish in eighth, they would still only need to win one game to advance to the NBA Playoffs.

Play-In Tournament:

As of now, the 7-seed Sixers would host the 8-seed Heat in the Play-In Tournament, with a probable matchup in either Philadelphia or Miami.

NBA Playoffs:

Apart from the 1-seed Celtics, the Eastern Conference standings remain fluid. If the Sixers remain in the Play-In Tournament, they would vie for an opportunity to face the East’s No. 2 seed. The Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks are all contenders for this spot. Alternatively, if they lose their first Play-In Tournament game, they would have one last chance to compete for the eighth seed and a first-round encounter with the Celtics.

76ers standings 2024

76ers remaining schedule