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There’s no team that benefits more from this break than the Philadelphia 76ers. Of course, it’s hard to look at the time off as positive for the NBA and the world, really, but Ben Simmons’ back was going to be an issue for the Sixers and now it likely wont’ be if the postseason starts in June.
Simmons had missed nine of 10 games before the NBA was put on pause due to a nerve impingement in his lower back. Last we heard, Simmons was continuing to make progress and will be re-evaluated around the beginning of April. That was likely when Simmons would have returned, right around the end of the regular season. Even if the NBA were to come back on the early side, say in May (not likely), Simmons would be more than ready to return.
Aside from Simmons, Embiid has missed time for the Sixers due to a dislocated finger, shoulder injury and neck stiffness. Josh Richardson had just returned from a concussion before the NBA suspended play a few weeks ago. Getting both Embiid and J-Rich healthy makes the Sixers one of the deeper teams in the conference. With an even playing field, Philly becomes an attractive title contender out of the East.