Philadelphia’s 2025-26 schedule is a test: 16 back-to-backs, tied for the most in the league, with five of them coming in the first 22 games. Embiid and George, both coming off knee issues, will force Nick Nurse to pace the star duo carefully as the calendar grinds on toward the playoffs. That means Embiid likely sits in back-to-backs early, handing extra responsibility to the Sixers’ depth. George, recovering from offseason knee surgery, is also expected to be limited in those back-to-backs, making it incumbent on the rest of the roster to hold the line during heavy stretches.

The Mayer of depth: Daryl Morey’s summer additions—Trendon Watford, Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow—will be called upon to deliver when Embiid and George rest. On paper, the Sixers look solid, but fantasy managers must lean into the chance of extended minutes for those depth pieces on back-to-back nights. The roster’s balance could be the season’s make-or-break factor, turning a win-now plan into a real DFS/season-long opportunity for savvy managers who read the schedule well.

In practice, Embiid’s health and George’s availability will shape every box-score narrative. Expect a rotation that leans on Watford, Walker, and Barlow at key moments, with Nurse managing minutes to keep the stars playoff-ready. The Sixers’ depth will determine their ability to stay competitive when top guys ride the bench.