Three questions that could make or break the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2026-27 season

They now have one of the most talented starting fives in NBA history, but will it lead to a championship?

NBA Analysis Network raises three questions that could make or break the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2026-27 campaign.

Can Joel Embiid stay healthy enough to lead the 76ers?

It goes without saying that any team needs to stay healthy to win the title, but the 76ers roster carries more risk than most.

Joel Embiid has never played 70 or more regular-season games, and the last three years have been particularly troublesome.

The former Most Valuable Player has played just 96 games across the last three seasons due to a number of injuries.

The 76ers should be fine without him in the regular season, but they will need him to be at his very best throughout the playoffs.

Indeed, a fully healthy Embiid would make the 76ers the clear favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

Can Nick Nurse successfully manage the 76ers’ superstar quartet?

Having four superstars in the same lineup is something that you normally only see in NBA 2K games, but it is reality for the 76ers.

Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid could all be the best player on several other NBA teams.

Even though the 76ers could have the league-leading offense, it will be impossible for all four stars to produce their usual statistics.

Much like we see with Team USA at the Olympics, the top players must sacrifice their individual numbers for the betterment of the team.

It will be head coach Nick Nurse’s job to ensure that Maxey, Brown, James and Embiid all remain happy with their roles.

This will be particularly difficult when he has to make tough decisions, such as who will take the final shot to win games.

Will VJ Edgecombe buy into his fifth-option role?

VJ Edgecombe is likely to be the 76ers player who sacrifices the most for the team’s chances of winning a championship.

Edgecombe averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his debut season and finished third in the Rookie of the Year race.

However, the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James could see him take on a much smaller offensive role.

Instead, Edgecombe will likely become the 76ers’ primary perimeter defender on a nightly basis, taking on assignments against the league’s top guards, including Jalen Brunson.

If Edgecombe buys into his lessened role, he will not only earn the respect of his teammates but also the NBA as a whole.

It will also make the 76ers a far more complete team than if his focus is on scoring like an All-Star.