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Criticism of 76ers’ schedule is a lousy way to discredit their hot start

The Philadelphia 76ers are thriving, which fires up a new debate about their schedule.

By Justin Grasso · The Sixer Sense

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 1:47 AM

Key Things to Know

Writer Justin Grasso argues that critics should not dismiss the Philadelphia 76ers' 8-1 start due to perceived schedule weakness.
A road victory over the Detroit Pistons moved Philadelphia to 8-1, securing a 1.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference.
The 76ers rank No. 11 in ESPN's strength of schedule index.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Justin Grasso of The Sixer Sense argues that critics are wrongly attempting to discredit the Philadelphia 76ers' strong 8-1 start by claiming they have faced an easy schedule. Following a road victory over the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia holds a 1.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference, driven by selfless play from stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James.

Grasso highlights that ESPN ranks the 76ers' strength of schedule at No. 11, defying claims of a soft slate. Across their opening 10 games, more than half are matchups against recent high-performing playoff contenders, including the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and reigning champion New York Knicks.

Read the full article on The Sixer Sense

Criticism of 76ers’ schedule is a lousy way to discredit their hot start

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