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Philadelphia 76ers · For years, they’ve scratched the surface, making it to at least the Eastern Conference Semifinals in five of the last six seasons. Finally back healthy, motivated, and riding the momentum of the NBA’s longest-running win streak (eight games), the Philadelphia 76ers are hoping 2023-24 becomes the year to finish the story. Forced to find adaptability in the 43-game absence of the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, the 76ers benefitted from the increased growth of first-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, as well as Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul Reed, and trade deadline acquisition Buddy Hield, among others. Prioritizing additional health ahead of seeding, Philadelphia sent a simple message: at full strength, they are confident in their ability to run the table, and the first step in that “process” begins against a familiar foe in the No. 7 vs. No. 8 Play-In Game. Even with the pressures of 12 different players hitting free agency after this season, the 76ers’ rare blend of experience and continuity give them the feel of a team no Eastern Conference elite wants to deal with immediately. · State of Mint · State of Mint