NBA: 5 reasons why the Philadelphia 76ers are the team to avoid in the East Playoffs

#2 Defensive prowess

Embiid and Saric playing defense on Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart.

61 games into the season, the 76ers are ranked 4th in the league in defensive efficiency, averaging 102.9 points conceded per 100 possessions. This is one of the most underappreciated outcomes of 'The Process', as they have acquired elite on-ball defenders.

Individually, they have an above-average defense when we really get down to comparing teams man-for-man. Ben Simmons ranks tenth in the league in steals per game (1.8), and his foot speed, basketball IQ and feel for defense helps him handle a number of assignments every game.

Joel Embiid is the third-best center in the game as per defensive rating (99.5), and he limits opponents to a stingy 40.3% field goal percentage despite defending nearly all of his shot attempts inside the paint area.

Robert Covington and Dario Saric are also elite on-ball defenders, and together the four are able to cover for Reddick and Belinelli, whoever is on court at the time.