It's hard to believe given the aggressively unrelenting nature of Sam Hinkie's rebuilding plan, but for the first time the Philadelphia 76ers have clinched the worst record in three years of "The Process."
The worst record, of course, means the Sixers will have the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick in June. Each of the last two drafts yielded a player drafted third overall by Philadelphia who's yet to make a significant impact.
That's the good news. The Sixers are in line for more than just the worst record this season, though. Unless they win another game, they'll tie their own mark for the worst record of all time.
The 1972-73 Sixers notoriously set the bar for futility over a full 82-game season at 9-73.
With five games remaining, here's a preview of the Sixers' chances of ducking infamy:
Home vs. New Orleans Pelicans - April 5
The best chance for the Sixers to grab a win is against the equally despondent Pelicans.
For a competent team, taking down the Pelicans should be easy. Their jinxed roster is missing just about every relevant rotation piece, and they trotted out a starting five on Sunday averaging just 33.4 points per game.
The Pelicans, however, have seen a resurgence of late, winning three of their last four. Granted, those wins came against the Knicks, Nuggets, and Nets, but their offense has been unexpectedly sturdy.
The combination of former Sixers guard Tim Frazier, center Alexis Ajinca, and sweet-stroking forward Luke Babbitt are averaging 47.4 points over the last three games.
Nevertheless, the Sixers should be able to handle the Pelicans. With veterans Carl Landry and Ish Smith coming to life over the past week, the Sixers have a chance to take care of business at home.
Home vs. New York Knicks - April 8
Like the Pelicans, the Knicks have taken a knee on the season. Carmelo Anthony is starting to get rest, Kristaps Porzingis might be done for the year, and Arron Afflalo is in Kurt Rambis' doghouse, so scoring has been hard to come by.
Their defense, however, has been surprisingly stingy. New York has held opponents to 95.1 points per 100 possessions over its last four games, which ranks as the third-lowest mark in the league.
Given that the Sixers have the league's worst offense for the third consecutive season, overcoming the Knicks might be difficult.
New York desperately needs Anthony's offense, so his health could determine the outcome of this contest. Expect a miserable game either way.
Home vs. Milwaukee Bucks - April 10
The Bucks' season has gone by the wayside, but they've had a late-season turnaround since moving Giannis Antetokounmpo to point guard.
The young Bucks have the 13th-ranked offense since handing the reins to "The Greek Freak," who's averaging 18.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 52 percent from the field over that span.
Under Antetokounmpo's watch, the Bucks have dropped 12 of their last 21 games. It's worth noting that the losses have all come against playoff-caliber opponents, and Milwaukee hasn't dropped a game to a team outside the playoff chase since Feb. 1. Expect that trend to continue.
Away vs. Toronto Raptors - April 12
The Sixers have lost all 11 games against the Raptors in the Hinkie era, and venturing north to play in the Air Canada Center likely won't change that.
The best chance for the Sixers to escape with a win is if the Raptors rest their players. Given that Toronto is locked into the second seed, and that Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan both rank in the top 10 in minutes played, head coach Dwane Casey might rest his All-Star backcourt.
However, even a matchup versus the Raptors' bench might prove difficult. Toronto's second unit trails only the San Antonio Spurs in point differential.
Away vs. Chicago Bulls - April 13
Philadelphia's last chance to win a game will come against the Bulls, who they took to overtime in their last meeting.
Depending on Chicago's standing in the playoff race, the Sixers might have a chance. If the injury-plagued Bulls are eliminated ahead of the regular-season finale, they may opt to rest their veterans.
If the Bulls are still in the hunt, however, they'll put it all on the line against a hopeless Sixers squad.
