The Philadelphia 76ers lead the NBA with an 8-1 record despite having the league’s toughest opening schedule, according to NBAStatGuy on X.
“According to the official NBA schedule analysis, the 76ers actually possess the single toughest opening 10-game stretch in the entire league, meaning their density of elite opponents is frontloaded more heavily than anyone else’s,” NBAStatGuy wrote on Thursday, November 5.
Philadelphia has won eight of its first nine games, including victories over the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. Its only defeat came against Detroit on October 25, when the Pistons won 106-93.
The 76ers currently hold the best record in the NBA, ahead of the 7-2 Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Portland leads the Western Conference at 6-1.
Philadelphia also owns a five-game winning streak after beating Detroit 112-106 on Wednesday, November 4. The victory was particularly significant because the 76ers had lost their previous meeting with the Pistons just 10 days earlier.
Tyrese Maxey has led Philadelphia’s offense, averaging 28.0 points, 5.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds through nine appearances. He is shooting 48.6% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range.
Joel Embiid is averaging 19.6 points and 10.0 rebounds in seven games, while Jaylen Brown contributes 21.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest through eight appearances. VJ Edgecombe has also made an impact, averaging 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
The 76ers’ opening schedule has included two games against the Knicks, along with matchups against Cleveland, Milwaukee and Detroit. Philadelphia has beaten the Knicks twice, Cleveland once and Detroit once.
The toughest opening stretch is not over yet. The 76ers visit Cleveland on Friday, November 6, for their 10th game of the season.
They then travel to Chicago on Sunday, November 8, before hosting the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, November 10.
The early results have put Philadelphia at the top of the standings, but the coming games will provide further tests against Eastern Conference competition.
