Executive Insights
- Arena Pivot: The 76ers abandoned the downtown ’76 Place’ plan in Jan 2026 to build in South Philly instead.
- Tyrese Maxey is the team’s new offensive leader, averaging ~30 PPG.
- Rookie V.J. Edgecombe is a breakout star, starting and playing high minutes.
- Joel Embiid and Paul George are on strict load management programs for knee issues.
- The team record sits at 24-21 as of late January 2026.
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a pivotal juncture in the 2025-26 NBA season. With the All-Star break approaching, the franchise is balancing championship aspirations with the stark reality of player health management. The narrative this season has shifted dramatically—from the on-court integration of a new “Big Three” to a massive off-court pivot regarding their future home arena.
Current Season Pulse (2025-26)
As of late January 2026, the Sixers hold a record of 24-21, placing them firmly in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff picture (battling between the 4th and 6th seeds). The season has been defined by the availability—or lack thereof—of their star trio: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.
While the team has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in a December overtime win against Memphis where the trio finally clicked, consistency has been elusive. The 76ers are currently navigating a “treading water” phase, relying heavily on the brilliance of Tyrese Maxey while managing the chronic knee issues of Embiid and George.
2025-26 Stat Leaders (Jan 2026)
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Maxey | ~30.0 | 4.3 | 6.8 | Primary offensive engine; high usage rate. |
| Joel Embiid | ~24.2 | 7.4 | 3.3 | Managing left knee load; playing ~30 MPG when active. |
| V.J. Edgecombe (R) | ~15.6 | 5.3 | 4.1 | Rookie Sensation: Starting SG/SF & ROY Contender. |
| Paul George | ~15.9 | 5.2 | 3.7 | Acclimating to 3rd option role; battling injury. |
Roster Breakdown: The New Era
The Ascendance of Tyrese Maxey
With Embiid and George frequently in and out of the lineup, Tyrese Maxey has solidified himself as the team’s ironman and offensive hub. Averaging nearly 30 points per game, Maxey is no longer just a rising star—he is the system. His speed and improved playmaking have kept the Sixers afloat during injury stretches.
The Rookie Surprise: V.J. Edgecombe
The standout story of the 2025-26 season is rookie V.J. Edgecombe. Drafted out of Baylor (top 5 pick), Edgecombe was thrust into the starting lineup by Head Coach Nick Nurse. He has responded by playing heavy minutes (top 5 in the league in minutes played at points) and hitting clutch shots, including a game-winner against Memphis. His two-way versatility has made him indispensable.
The “Big Three” Health Concerns
The trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey has played fewer than 10 games together fully healthy.
- Joel Embiid: His production is down from his MVP peak (PER ~25.2), primarily due to load management restrictions.
- Paul George: Now in his mid-30s, George is averaging career-lows in efficiency but provides essential spacing and defense when active.
Major Arena News: The “76 Place” Pivot
In a bombshell announcement on January 12, 2026, the organization officially cancelled plans for the controversial “76 Place” arena at Market East (near Chinatown). Instead, the Sixers have entered a binding agreement with Comcast Spectacor.
The New Plan:
- Location: South Philadelphia Sports Complex (next to the current arena).
- Partnership: A 50-50 joint venture between HBSE (Sixers ownership) and Comcast Spectacor (Flyers ownership).
- Timeline: Aiming for completion by 2030 or 2031.
- Current Home: The team continues to play at the newly renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Center).
Coaching & Strategy
Nick Nurse is in his third season as head coach. His reputation for creative lineups is being tested to the limit. Nurse has implemented a “survival” rotation, often relying on small-ball lineups with Kelly Oubre Jr. at the four or Andre Drummond anchoring the paint in Embiid’s absence.
Key Rotation Pieces
- Andre Drummond: Elite rebounder (approx. 9.0 RPG) filling the backup center minutes.
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: The energetic wing providing slashing scoring (14.6 PPG).
- Kyle Lowry & Eric Gordon: Veteran presences in limited roles.
Fan Guide: Attending Games in 2026
If you are heading to a game this season, note the venue name change. The Wells Fargo Center is now officially the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The atmosphere remains electric, especially for rivalry games against the Knicks and Celtics.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: Did the 76ers cancel the Chinatown arena project?
Yes. As of January 12, 2026, the 76ers cancelled the ’76 Place’ Market East proposal and announced a new plan to build an arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in partnership with Comcast Spectacor.
Q: What is the Philadelphia 76ers current record in 2026?
As of late January 2026, the 76ers hold a record of 24-21, placing them in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Q: Who is the 76ers rookie playing big minutes?
V.J. Edgecombe. The rookie out of Baylor has become a starter, averaging over 15 points per game and is a top contender for Rookie of the Year.
Q: Are Joel Embiid and Paul George healthy?
Both players are currently listed as ‘Day-to-Day’ and frequently miss games for ‘Left Knee Injury Management’ to preserve them for the playoffs.
Q: What is the name of the 76ers arena in 2026?
The arena formerly known as the Wells Fargo Center has been renamed the ‘Xfinity Mobile Arena’.
