Philadelphia 76ers: 3 bold predictions for 2019-20 NBA season

1. The 76ers win 60 games

As currently constructed, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks are the consensus favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference.

While the Bucks notched 60 wins last season in leading the Eastern Conference heading into the postseason, the Sixers registered 51 wins, following up from their 52 wins for the 2017-18 season.

From a historical standpoint, the last time the Sixers reached 60 wins was the 1982-83 season, with their 65 wins topping the league on their way to their second title in franchise history. The big difference between last season and the one quickly approaching will be stability.

While coach Brett Brown had to contend with two separate blockbuster trades throughout the course of last season, the upcoming training camp and the promise of a season of continuity should make an enormous difference.

Additionally, the Sixers will be entering the season with a far more formidable bench unit. Having ranked 27th in the league last season in bench scoring, the Sixers made some reinforcements this offseason with the signing of free agents Trey Burke, Kyle O’Quinn and Raul Neto.

In addition to the returning duo if James Ennis III and Zhaire Smith, as well as rookie Matisse Thybulle, the Sixers on paper appear to have a more versatile and accomplished second unit.

But ultimately, the Sixers’ fortunes are going to lie with their elite starting five. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons still on the rise, along with the other key additions, reaching the elusive 60-win barrier should be well within their reach.