You have to go back a few years for the last time the 76ers won the Championship. 37 to be precise.

Success has been thin on the ground since with the Sixers limited to a solitary NBA Finals appearance. But could that be set to change?

Let’s discuss why backing Brett Brown’s boys now could see you reap the rewards come the end of June.

R&R ideal for Embiid

There’s no getting away from the fact the Sixers are a better outfit with Joel Embiid in the side. But could surgery to repair a torn hand ligament and some time out actually be a blessing in disguise?

Such a statement may leave some scratching their heads. Yet, when you consider the Sixers are a sure bet to make the playoffs, a period of rest at a wearing time of the season is surely a good thing? Especially with the heavy workload and pressure to perform that comes with being the team’s star man.

For a player who has suffered his fair share of injuries throughout his career, some time away from the court to rest body, and mind, will see the big man return 100% healthy and ready for those all-important playoff games.

Remember, any realistic chance of the 76er’s winning the Championship comes with Embiid in the team, not watching on from the sidelines. Short term pain for long term gain!

Set up for the playoffs

Make no mistake about it, winning a first title since 1983 is a big ask of this current Sixers side, a factor reflected in the odds (+1200). There are sides better equipped to go all the way: the Clippers (+300), Lakers (+300) and Bucks (+320), all of whom are considered a better prospect to win by the top pa betting sites.

Whereas the trio of teams mentioned are certainly more easy on the eye, the 76ers are known for their defensive brand of basketball. But this can be just as effective, as Boston Celtics (three times) and Milwaukee Bucks would attest.

Brown got his tactics spot on in the statement win against Eastern Conference leaders Bucks on Christmas Day doing what many teams have been unable to do in stopping Mr. Physical himself, Giannis Antetokounmpo, from running riot.

The coach has his troops set up in a way that is difficult to break down – scoring against the Sixers is as difficult a task as it gets in the NBA. Victories against the division’s better teams indicate how they’ll be a match for any team in the pressure cooker of the playoffs.

Favorable schedule

There’s every chance the Sixers can move up the standings and gain home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. And they’ll have a great opportunity of doing so should they win a series of games against teams below them in the standings.

Two tough encounters against Toronto Raptors aside, the Sixers face Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks who own a record of 62-144 between them.

Ironically, the standout performances have come against the top teams. Yet if head coach Brown could cherry-pick a run of fixtures to generate momentum ahead of the playoffs – without his talisman don’t forget – it’d be the set of games coming up.