As the Philadelphia 76ers gear up for a matchup against the Houston Rockets, they are in a high-pressure situation.
Ahead of the action in Houston, Texas, the NBA announced a full outlook of the playoff possibilities going into the April 9 slate. Still, just one seed in the Eastern Conference is locked–the Detroit Pistons at No. 1.
The Boston Celtics can officially win the Atlantic Division on Thursday, with a win over the New York Knicks on the road. They would become the second team to pick up their official seeding this week.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during overtime against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
This year, the Sixers are in the mix. After spending the back half of the 2024-2025 NBA season taking on loads of losses, the Sixers are at least guaranteed a set in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
At this stage, they still have a large variety of seeds they could land.
What’s The Best And Worst-Case Scenarios For The Sixers?
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
There is a chance the 76ers could still land the fifth seed. The Atlanta Hawks recently lost two games in a row, which gives them just 1.5 games over the Sixers.
At this stage, it’s understood that the Sixers’ likeliest path to get into the playoffs without the Play-In is picking up the sixth seed. Before losing to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, the Sixers had the sixth seed in their possession.
After a loss, followed by an Orlando Magic win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Sixers fell to eighth place in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday.
The Sixers have three games left, and they need to win each one.
At this point, the Sixers could land anywhere between five and 10.
Looking Ahead For Philly
GettyJoel Embiid #21 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers speak during a game against the Houston Rockets in January 2024.
Thursday’s action is by far the most challenging on paper.
The Houston Rockets are 50-29 on the season, and have won eight of their last 10, with seven wins in a row. They are in line for the Sixers on Thursday.
When the two teams met back on January 22, the Sixers took care of business with an overtime victory. The final score was 128-122.
Kevin Durant and Tyrese Maxey traded 36 points, while Joel Embiid produced 32 points of his own. Kelly Oubre came up big by putting up 26 points as well.
The Sixers and the Rockets are slated for an 8 PM ET tip on Thursday.