For a bevy of reasons — Ben Simmons’ absence, health and safety protocols, poor offensive game-planning and defensive execution, etc. — the 19-16, sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers have cozied up with .500 basketball this season.
They are, however, fresh off an impressive road victory over the 23-11 Brooklyn Nets, their second win against an elite opponent in three weeks (Golden State on Dec. 11) and third consecutive win on the season. Back in November, they also nabbed two wins over the 24-10, East-leading Chicago Bulls. Nobody else in the NBA has wins against all three of those contenders — though not every team has had the opportunity.