Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways as the All-Star Break approaches

The Philadelphia 76ers are on a four-game winning streak. Here’s a look at five key topics as the All-Star Break approaches.

The Philadelphia 76ers are on a roll again in February. After finishing the month of January on a three-game losing streak, they’re back on a four-game winning streak now. Their improved play is due to a plethora of reasons.

Big man Joel Embiid is enjoying a career year in just his second full season. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game so far in 2017-18. Rookie Ben Simmons is having a strong rookie campaign of his own as well, putting up 16.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game, making a strong push for Rookie of the Year.

Embiid and Simmons are not alone in production this season, either. There’s second-year power forward Dario Saric, 3-and-D specialist Robert Covington on the wing, veteran 3-point marksman J.J. Redick and not to be forgotten, backup point guard T.J. McConnell. Each player has made strong contributions as Philadelphia currently has a 29-25 record, good for seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia hasn’t gotten much out of first overall draft pick Markelle Fultz yet, but is still making a strong push for its first playoff appearance since the 2011-12 season. Here’s a glimpse at five trending topics as the Philadelphia 76ers approach the All-Star Break.