Not one GM has the Sixers winning the Finals, I'm okay with this world, though think they have a chance, definitely an intriguing squad.
If my math is right, about 3 GMs pick the Sixers to finish 3rd or 4th. While 5 GMs have the C's finishing 2nd.
There's hope!
I generally agree with thinking some overrate the 76ers. They lost a legit all-star in Butler and did not get an all-star in. Richardson and Horford are really elite role players, but al's all-star games are behind him. Reddick was also a big (and unexpected) loss.
The thing is they have Embiid (and Simmons). Philly can lose an All-Star, they still have 2. It's not like Milwaukee is loaded with top end talent other than Giannis (personally I think a guy like Middleton is closer to Tobias Harris in talent than he is to Ben Simmons). Plus Milwaukee lost a key player too in Brogdon.
But really what it all comes down to is I think Embiid can just be that dominate, and I think the Sixers are a great match up for the Bucks with the ability to handle Giannis similar to how Toronto did (using the wall approach and help D).
And there's a lot of room for improvement on Philly's end. If Simmons can develop a shot with a little confidence, if Embiid gets on top of his conditioning, both have the ability to reach the next level of superstadom. (Simmons going from star to superstar, Embiid going to Shaq levels of dominance). But of course Giannis can reach that next level too with a reliable jumper.
Not to say Philly doesn't have their warts, and may struggle in the regular season. Will they have enough spacing, will Horford and Embiid play well together, will Simmons and Embiid play well together? Will Horford age poorly? Were Redick and Butler that great of leaders? Will Simmons get better in the clutch/half court?
I can see things going great in Philly, though I can also see how it might not work.
But Philly has the top end talent in Embiid, and I think they just match up well against Milwaukee.