Philadelphia 76ers: 2018-19 NBA season preview

The Philadelphia 76ers had a historic 2017-18 campaign. With some added tweaks, they look to win the Eastern Conference in 2018-19.

The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t make a blockbuster trade in the offseason, but they did their part to add pieces to their rotation. After losing 4-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics last season, it was apparent they needed to get deeper as a team. Head coach Brett Brown is already looking to adjust by inserting shooting guard Markelle Fultz into the starting lineup. J.J. Redick should be an early candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. Coming off the bench, he will be instant offense for the Sixers.

Versatile forward Wilson Chandler virtually fell in their lap from the Denver Nuggets for a future draft pick. The selected Mikal Bridges as the 10th selection in the 2018 NBA Draft but traded him to the Phoenix Suns for Zhaire Smith and a future first round pick. Guard Landry Shamet was selected as the 26th pick in the draft as well and has emerged as a solid pick so far through preseason play.

After going 52-30 during the 2017-18 season, expectations are high, especially since Ben Simmons won the Rookie of the Year award and Robert Covington earned First Team All-Defensive honors.

Now, with more defined roles for everybody and a healthy Fultz, the Sixers return looking to finish on top in the East. Here’s their 2018-19 season preview, looking at three key storylines, best- and worst-case scenarios and a final prediction on how they’ll do overall.