Warriors this past weekend, a win that allowed them to surpass the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference standings. With the Chicago Bulls struggling to solidify their hold on the final NBA Play-In position, the Sixers found themselves in a prime position to compete for the 10th seed. A few more victories could have significantly improved their chances of qualifying for the postseason.

However, their pursuit of a Play-In spot has not gone as planned this week. On Monday, the Sixers hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that initially seemed to be going their way. They controlled the matchup through the first half, playing with confidence and executing well on both ends of the floor. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime, as the Trail Blazers mounted a strong comeback, flipping the game’s trajectory in their favor. The Sixers struggled to regain their rhythm, and what could have been the start of a crucial win streak instead ended in a disappointing loss to Portland.

The following night, the Sixers faced another challenging test as they traveled to Minnesota for the second game of a back-to-back set against the Timberwolves. Already facing fatigue from the previous night’s matchup, the Sixers were further handicapped by the absence of their All-Star guard, Tyrese Maxey. Maxey suffered a back injury during Monday’s game against Portland, forcing him to sit out against Minnesota. His absence was a significant blow to the team’s offensive firepower, as he has been one of their most consistent and dynamic scoring threats throughout the season.

Without Maxey, the Sixers struggled to keep up with the Timberwolves, who took full advantage of their opponent’s short-handed roster. Despite moments of resilience, Philadelphia ultimately fell short once again, further complicating their quest for a Play-In berth. With each loss, their margin for error continues to shrink, making the final stretch of the season even more critical.

Moving forward, the Sixers will need to regroup quickly and find ways to win games despite adversity. If they hope to keep their postseason aspirations alive, they must capitalize on every remaining opportunity and get key players back to full strength as soon as possible.