The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with one of the league's most talented rosters, but BetOnline's latest odds highlight significant questions surrounding the availability of LeBron James, Joel Embiid and the organization's star-studded starting lineup.
As Philadelphia prepares to open its regular season against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on NBC at Madison Square Garden, BetOnline has released several over/under projections concerning the team's health and lineup continuity.
The sportsbook set the over/under for games started together by James, Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe at just 32.5. Meanwhile, the projected number of games James and Embiid will start together sits at 39.5.
The individual projections also reflect concerns about Philadelphia's two veteran superstars. BetOnline set James' regular-season games played total at 65.5, while Embiid's stands at 52.5.
Those figures underscore the uncertainty surrounding a roster assembled to compete for an NBA championship immediately.
76ers face major durability questions with LeBron James, Joel Embiid
Embiid's injury history remains particularly concerning after the former MVP appeared in just 38 games during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
The seven-time All-Star previously played 19 games in 2024-25 and 39 in 2023-24, totaling just 96 appearances across three seasons.
Meanwhile, James enters his historic 24th NBA season at 41 years old after playing 60 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The four-time NBA champion averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists before joining Philadelphia this summer.
Article Continues BelowThe 76ers also acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George and multiple draft picks, adding another established star alongside Maxey and Edgecombe.
However, the challenge extends beyond keeping James and Embiid healthy. Philadelphia must establish chemistry among five players capable of handling significant offensive responsibilities while managing their workloads throughout the 82-game season.
Although BetOnline's projections do not determine how frequently Philadelphia's stars will share the court, they illustrate the uncertainty surrounding the organization's ambitious offseason moves.
The 76ers will get their first opportunity to test their new-look roster Tuesday against New York.