Philadelphia 76ers 2024-25 Season Preview, Predictions, & Odds

The Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George during the offseason, hoping he helps them boast the best online sportsbook odds possible of winning it all.

NBA futures odds are available at the BetMGM online sportsbook, including basketball betting odds for NBA champion, division winner, and player awards.

Philadelphia 76ers Futures Odds

Win Total: 52.5

Atlantic Division: +320

Eastern Conference: +450

NBA Championship: +900

Philadelphia’s NBA Finals odds were cut in half from +1600 to +800 since the NBA Finals. It marks the team’s shortest price to win it all since it was +775 entering 2019-20.

Philadelphia 76ers Offseason Moves

George signed a four-year, $211,584,940 contract with the 76ers.

Philadelphia also brought in Andre Drummond and signed Caleb Martin to a valuable four-year, $35 million contract.

Philadelphia 76ers Additions

Philadelphia 76ers Departures

Philadelphia 76ers 2024-25 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Over 52.5 Wins (-125)

I predict that the 76ers will win over 52.5 games.

Joel Embiid played just 39 games due to a meniscus injury a season after winning the MVP award. 

Embiid made his return in early April and played fairly well during the playoffs and for Team USA during the Olympics, but there were times he looked limited out there on the court.

At his best, Embiid is a threat to score in a multitude of ways, given his guard-like skill set in a 7-foot body.

The Kansas product can take his man off the dribble, stop on a dime, and knock down a pull-up jumper in their face. He’s just as lethal in the post, going to a smooth spin move to create space for a turnaround fadeaway or powering through for an easy finish. His ability to step out and hit the three makes him even harder to guard, all while dominating in traditional post-up situations.

Joel Embiid embodies dominance.

Post moves.
Finesse.
Power.
Skill.

…and 34.7 PPG in 33.6 MPG last year 🤯 #BESTofNBA pic.twitter.com/GGV0xrD0gr

— NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2024

Defensively, Embiid is capable of guarding all five positions, both in the paint and on the perimeter. He can deny his man access to the paint or force the ball-handler to pick up his dribble in the pick-and-roll. His agility allows him to quickly rotate, close off driving lanes, or contest shots in the corner.

Even if he’s late on a contest or bites on a pump fake, Embiid’s size, strength, and length allow him to recover, hold his ground on drives, and close out on shooters effectively. His ability to cover ground, including coming from the weak side to contest shots, helps erase many of his teammates’ defensive mistakes.

Tyrese Maxey had a breakout season for the Sixers last season, showcasing nifty ball-handling skills, a ton of speed and craftiness on drives to the rim, but also the awareness to change speeds and go to a floater or stepback jumper. He also thrived on catch-and-shoot opportunities, but his next step might be to improve his own shot creation from downtown.

George could be the missing piece the Sixers have long needed, filling the void of a reliable wing scorer. He can take defenders off the dribble, create his own shot in the midrange with excellent handles, finish with authority at the rim, and knock down the three. His offensive arsenal includes a floater, step back, and a smooth turnaround jumper.

Defensively, PG-13 can smother his opponents both on and off the ball. He excels at locking down the perimeter, cutting off driving lanes, navigating screens, staying attached to his man, closing out on shooters, and playing the passing lanes to force bad shots or create turnovers.

With Kelly Oubre, Kyle Lowry, Martin, Drummond, and Eric Gordon rounding out a strong roster, and with how well all the pieces should mesh, the Sixers should reach at least 53 wins and be in the championship mix all season.

Embiid and PG-13 have skill sets that mix well together, as both should run a ton of two-man actions in the pick-and-roll to generate offence nightly. Their combined defensive proficiency should bolster the entire team on that end of the floor.

Health is a question mark, but if that ends up holding up, don’t be surprised to see Philadelphia make a deep run next postseason.