NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference playoff picture prediction

2nd seed: Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid needs to stay healthy for the 76ers to be successful

The 76ers are going to be an interesting team. They blew past the expectations that were set for them a year ago, and the expectations have only gotten higher. Markelle Fultz has been practicing his shot this offseason, and it will be time for him to show that he was worth the number one overall pick.

Some critics have already written him off, but it is too early. He's only 20 years old. He was considered the consensus number one overall pick for a reason, and 76ers fans should be excited for when he does show those skills.

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will have another year of experience under their belt, and both of them are fierce competitors.

It will be interesting to see the 76ers second unit if they decide to start Fultz out playing with them. Fultz, TJ McConnell, and Zhaire Smith will be entertaining to watch and should be able to keep up with teams when the starters need rest.

Of course, the real measure of success for the 76ers this time around will be the playoffs. Robert Covington will need to shoot better than 31% from three for the team in the playoffs, and the other pieces need to contribute the same way they did last year if not better.

The big thing again will be Embiid staying healthy. I doubt this will happen, but if he does the 76ers could come out and advance to the NBA finals.