If ESPN's projection models are correct, the Sixers are going to underachieve and achieve at the same time.
In Philadelphia, expectations have been turned up after Markelle Fultz and J.J. Redick arrived this summer. Talk of the playoffs is everywhere. If the Sixers have a losing record and miss out on meaningful basketball in late April or early May, it will be looked at as a disappointing season.
Recently, the Sixers were projected to finished 37-45 by ESPN's game-by-game model. That's not good--but good enough to be tied for the final playoff spot in the lowly Eastern Conference.