Philadelphia 76ers: 3 must-win games in the month of December

The Philadelphia 76ers are on the right side of The Process in 2017-18. Here’s a look at some must-win games on the schedule in the month of December.

The Philadelphia 76ers look to be a playoff contender with a 13-9 record currently in the East, good for fifth-best in the conference. They have strung together their fair share of victories, putting them on track to break last season’s win total of 28.

Behind the play of rookie Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the Sixers have been entertaining and competitive. Simmons is averaging 17.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game. He leads all rookies in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. He’s on track for the Rookie of the Year award after being named Rookie of the Month in November in the Eastern Conference.

Embiid has picked up where he left off last season, elevating his play in the process. He’s averaging a team-high 23.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. His health has held up well as he’s sat out just three games so far in 2017-18.

The pieces on the Sixers’ roster have them flirting with the talent levels of the top teams in the league. Robert Covington and J.J. Redick have been stellar from behind the 3-point arc. Covington is shooting 42.0 percent from 3-point range while Redick is 40.2 percent from the arc.

As the bulk of the schedule approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers have a chance to make some noise before the All-Star break. Here’s a look at three must-win games for them in December.