2023 NBA Playoff superlatives: A look at the top storylines

Team with most to prove – Philadelphia 76ers

Like Rivers, the 76ers have a lot riding on their efforts this upcoming playoffs. Without a trip to the Finals, or Eastern Conference Finals for that matter since 2001, Philadelphia is in must-win mode as it continues to find only regular season success during the Joel Embiid era. Losses to eventual champions would give them a possible out, but the 76ers haven’t had that happen over the past two seasons with their losses coming at the hands of both the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. While both teams would go on to get sent home a series later, the 76ers have to prove that they beat the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference before they aim for real title hopes.