The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 22-21 in the Eastern Conference. They are now sitting at the 8th spot and have shown that they are capable of playing playoff basketball during multiple stretches of the regular season. Notably, the 76ers have achieved this without playing their franchise star Joel Embiid in back-to-back games. As the postseason race heats up now that the All-Star break is approaching, the 76ers need to do all they can to make the cut. That includes putting Embiid in the position to play back-to-back games. According to Rich Hofmann of The Athletic, that's exactly what the Sixers are trying to do.

Brett Brown mentioned that Joel Embiid will be playing back-to-backs fairly soon.

“We're now at some point not that far away going to talk about back to backs” was the exact quote. Eight more B2B's on the Sixers schedule. Next one is an important one for playoff positioning: Home vs. Miami, at Indy (Feb. 2-3)

The Sixers actually are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. They have the same number of losses with the fifth seed Washington Wizards, but they are six games back from the 10th seed New York Knicks. The 76ers obviously aren't complacent enough to ride the 8th spot. They are capable of doing that much without playing Embiid in back-to-back games.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Pelicans insider calls out ‘BS’ Herb Jones-to-76ers trade speculationJulian Ojeda ·
Philadelphia 76ers resident of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA rumors: 76ers engage Spurs on trade for No. 2 pickJason Patt ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) look up during overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Maxey
Ace Bailey lands 76ers workout amid draft speculationZachary Howell ·
76ers news: Ace Bailey’s draft odds take hit after mysterious report, VJ Edgecombe
Ace Bailey’s draft odds take hit after mysterious reportChris Spiering ·
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse looks on during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers rumors: ‘Prime candidate’ emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilitiesBenedetto Vitale ·
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announces that the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown.
76ers’ 10 best lottery picks in history, rankedSpencer See ·

However, extending Joel Embiid's availability means that the Sixers have the intentions of climbing the Eastern Conference standings. It isn't impossible to do. The Sixers have won seven of their last 10 games. The ninth-place Detroit Pistons have only won two of their last 10 games, and the seventh seed Milwaukee Bucks have won four of their last 10.

If the 76ers keep on their hot streak, they can potentially make the postseason and get Embiid ready to play back-to-back games down the road.