From general manager Elton Brand's preseason mandate he expected the 76ers to "win big" to coach Brett Brown's confidence his roster was suited for a deep playoff run, the championship outlook was high in Philadelphia.

Look at the 76ers now.

All-Star guard Ben Simmons is out indefinitely after left knee surgery and All-Star center Joel Embiid has a banged-up right hand and sore left knee. Al Horford was benched for a spell and underachieved in his first season on the 76ers.