5 biggest surprises from ESPN's NBA win projections

5 biggest surprises from ESPN’s NBA win projections

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid /

4. The 76ers only win five more games

The Philadelphia 76ers have been “Trusting the Process” for years now, but it seems like it’s finally coming together for them. After missing significant time with injuries, Joel Embiid finally took the court for them last season and showcased his amazing abilities on the court. They also had a promising showing from Dario Saric, who almost walked away with the Rookie of the Year award after Embiid got injured.

The 76ers will also finally be able to get their first overall pick from last season, Ben Simmons, on the court, and their first overall pick from this season Markelle Fultz. Add in the sharpshooting vet J.J. Redick, and a decent big man in Amir Johnson, and you have the look of a team ready to make major strides this season.

Unfortunately for Philly, the ESPN projections have them only winning five more games than their 27 wins of last season, which is a marginal improvement. This seems a bit odd considering the 76ers have gotten significantly better at multiple positions, and the Eastern Conference has gotten weaker than it already was. Of course there will be growing pains and injury concerns for their young core, but they certainly seem poised for a larger increase in wins.

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