Philadelphia 76ers are beginning to look like a serious threat in the Eastern Conference as their health stabilizes, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.
A three-game road winning streak has pushed Philadelphia within striking distance of the conference’s top tier, and the most notable development has been lineup continuity.
For the first time in a while, Joel Embiid and Paul George have shared the starting lineup in all three games of the streak.
Alongside them, the dynamic backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe has added speed and scoring punch, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses.
Head coach Nick Nurse emphasized how rare that consistency has been.
“For three games, we have had the same players in our starting lineup,” Nurse said. “For three games, we have started the same five people. I don’t think I’ve been able to say that very much, since I’ve been here.”
He added that the continuity has been a welcome change after months of juggling lineups.
Embiid’s health remains the most important factor, and recent performances suggest he is rounding back into MVP-level form.
He recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in Saturday’s win at New York, while also showing better chemistry with the team’s high-usage guards after earlier stretches that felt awkward.
Sixers Notes: Healthy Starters, Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe https://t.co/DzxcszQNN5 pic.twitter.com/NgRWrcnuim
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 5, 2026
