The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for a demanding five-game road trip that will not only challenge them but also serve as a critical test of their capabilities as they move into the 2026 year. Their journey begins tonight against the Chicago Bulls at 7:30 p.m. EST, marking the longest stretch away from home for the 76ers so far this season.
Philadelphia, currently holding a 16-12 record, is set to face formidable competition, with four of their five upcoming opponents positioned among the top ten seeds in their conferences. This series of games will allow the 76ers to gauge their performance against playoff-caliber teams.
The 76ers’ first matchup is a rematch against the Bulls, who come in on a hot streak, winning their last four games and consistently scoring over 125 points. In their earlier meeting on November 4, the 76ers narrowly lost by two points, managing to hold the Bulls to 113 points despite missing key players Paul George and Dominick Barlow. The return of Barlow, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes, who were absent in the last game due to illness, could bolster Philadelphia’s chances. However, the availability of star player Joel Embiid remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford will miss the game due to injuries.
Following the clash with Chicago, the 76ers will head to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder, who boast the best record in the league at 26-5. Oklahoma City’s performance has been powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s second-leading scorer. This match is anticipated to be Philadelphia’s most challenging of the trip.
Next, Philadelphia will face a struggling Memphis Grizzlies team on December 30. The Grizzlies have been hit hard with injuries, missing significant players including Ja Morant. This could present a favorable opportunity for the 76ers to secure a win if Memphis remains short-handed.
On January 1, the 76ers will visit the Dallas Mavericks, who they defeated in their last encounter. However, the dynamics may have shifted with key injuries on both sides, including Anthony Davis missing for Dallas. Despite this, the Mavericks present a solid defensive challenge that could complicate Philadelphia’s efforts.
Finally, the road trip will wrap up with a matchup against the New York Knicks on January 3 at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia secured a win during their last visit and will be looking to replicate that success in what has historically been a competitive rivalry.
While the outcome of this five-game stretch will not determine the entirety of Philadelphia’s season, it will undoubtedly test their resilience and adaptability against diverse and challenging opponents. With health concerns looming over key players, the 76ers will need to navigate these games strategically to maintain their position in the standings. This road trip offers both challenges and opportunities, and with their strong roster, the 76ers aim to emerge with valuable experiences as they continue through the season.