Thorpe’s 2024-2025 contenders: Philadelphia 76ers

Can the NBA’s newest “Big Three” seize the East?

BY DAVID THORPE

Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid have a new star teammate in Philadelphia. Is Paul George to Embiid reaching—and winning—the Eastern Conference finals? MITCHELL LEFF/GETTY IMAGES

We have been profiling eight contenders that, according to David Thorpe, have a legitimate chance of winning the 2024-2025 NBA title. Miss one? Catch up here:

• (4) New York Knicks

• (5) Dallas Mavericks

• (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

• (7) Indiana Pacers

• (8) Denver Nuggets

David’s third-rated contender, the Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a summer roster overhaul, now feature six-time All-NBA wing Paul George alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But David likes one move even more … 

Is this the year Embiid and company finally break through? 

---

Philadelphia 76ers

Regular season prediction: 54-28