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2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

by Spencer Toth - 10/9/2025

Philadelphia 76ers predictions Joel Embiid

It would be difficult to find an NBA team that fell further short of its expectations than the 76ers last season. They entered the year with +800 odds to win the title, the fourth-lowest, and had a sky-high 52.5 win total. They had -3000 odds to make the playoffs, but things could not have gone worse. They started the year 2-12 before finishing 24-58, well outside the playoff picture. Injuries can be blamed, but a 4-29 record in their final 33 games is absolutely unacceptable. 

There is reason for optimism again in Philadelphia, as the team has an incredibly talented roster when healthy. However, the best ability in the NBA is availability, and the 76ers will have another disappointing season if their superstars can’t stay on the court. Can former MVP Joel Embiid recover in time for tip-off, or will it be another lost season as the 76ers' championship window slams shut? 

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Philadelphia 76ers Offseason Recap

The 76ers were clearly not happy with how last year went, but that didn’t mean they had to get crazy in the offseason. A healthy trio of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Embiid is more than capable of competing for a title, and the 76ers' front office just needed to fine-tune the rest of their roster. 

The bottom third of their team is very different, but the 76ers didn’t make any meaningful signings that will see extended playing time. Losing Guerschon Yabusele as the backup center is a big loss, but the 76ers opted to give 21-year-old Adem Bona more of an opportunity to shine rather than hunting for a replacement. Given Embiid’s injury history, the backup center role in Philadelphia could instantly turn into a full-on starting job. 

While the 76ers didn’t get any proven NBA talents, they did strike gold in the draft lottery after being bumped up to third overall. VJ Edgecomb out of Baylor was their choice, and he is expected to make an instant impact in Philadelphia. Edgecomb has all the physical traits needed to thrive in the NBA, and the 76ers will be hoping he can start to positively produce while their aging core is still active. He is capable of massive dunks and chase-down blocks, and uses every inch of his reach to stay active on both ends of the court. His ability to finish on the inside, knock down open triples, and do whatever it takes to win makes him valuable for this organization. There are some concerns about his defense once he starts to fatigue, but his abilities on the offensive end will make him a crucial member of the rotation. 

Philadelphia 76ers Season Expectations

Joel Embiid has already shown how dominant he can be on the court, and a healthy Embiid launches the 76ers straight back into title contention. Embiid averaged 30+ PPG in each of his last three seasons, where he played 35 or more games. The problem is, his career high is 68 games played over nine seasons in the league. When he is on his game, Embiid is impossible to stop from scoring in the paint. His combination of size and physicality is rarely seen at the center position, and the Cameroon native will happily take a majority of his shots from right under the hoop. However, in recent seasons, Embiid has developed a three-point shot. He is taking and making threes much more often than his earlier days with the 76ers, and that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the court. The evolution of his shooting has forced defenders to play tighter coverage in the open court, which allows him to blow past them with ease whenever he pleases.

While the championship hopes of this team hinge on Embiid’s health, they are still capable of playing solid basketball without him. Paul George is a 9-time All-Star who averages 20.6 PPG across his 15-year career. George was the superstar brought in with the expectations that his partnership would transform the 76ers from a title threat into a legitimate contender. Tyrese Maxey rounds out Philadelphia’s ‘Big 3,’ but his efficiency dropped significantly from his 2024 All-Star season. Maxey is a lightning-fast player who can punish flat-footed defenders, and his unlimited range makes him an even tougher man to slow down. There is no doubt the 76ers have the ‘on paper’ talent to make a deep run, but the best ability in the NBA is availability. 

Philadelphia 76ers Schedule Breakdown

The 76ers open up the year with a trip to Boston, before a trio of games against the Hornets, Magic, and Wizards. Winning relatively easy early-season matchups will be crucial to this team’s success, as they can’t afford to dig themselves a massive hole like they did last season. Their longest road trip is five games, coming through the holiday period while leaking into the first days of 2026. 

Philadelphia 76ers Odds

The 76ers are expected to be an average team in a struggling Eastern Conference. Their win total is 42.5 this season, and they have +135 odds to participate in the play-in tournament. Their star talent still has them as –260 favorites to make the playoffs, but the oddsmakers have given them lengthy +3500 odds to win the NBA Finals. In the NBA Cup, the 76ers have a wide-open group featuring the Magic, Celtics, Pistons, and Nets. They are +280 to finish on top, and have +2200 odds to win the NBA Cup. 

2025-26 Season Predictions and Best Bets

The 76ers are no longer legitimate title threats this season, but that doesn’t mean they are an automatic fade with prices like these. The 76ers surpassed 42.5 wins in seven straight seasons before their collapse last year, and I expect them to find that form again this season. Nagging injuries to their stars before the year tips off is certainly concerning, but we have enough wiggle room with a rock-bottom win total. Laying juice on the 76ers to make the playoffs at -260 isn’t an option, but taking them to finish above 42.5 wins this year is a great pick. This is a team that is still motivated to win, and a lack of legitimate competition in the East means this could be the year they finally break through.

We won’t be touching the NBA Cup with the 76ers in a group full of the East’s best teams, but there is value on Philadelphia making a deep run in the playoffs. Tailing a team that lost 29 of its last 33 games is never fun, but there is simply too much talent for the 76ers to have similar title odds with teams like the banged-up Celtics, Pistons, and Spurs. This is a textbook ‘boom or bust’ situation with the 76ers, and the +3500 title odds have the upside we are looking for. Additionally, if the 76ers get off to a great start and the public remembers how good Embiid really is, this price is one that could be slashed very quickly. 

Pick: 76ers Over 42.5 Wins -110

Top Pick: 76ers to win the NBA Finals +3500

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