Can the Sixers get better at the trade deadline? Here are some possibilities

Without a question, the best team in the NBA is the Boston Celtics. The Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat are among the other Eastern Conference clubs that have made improvements.

Nevertheless, the Sixers are still vying for the conference championship at 29-15. With 38 games left, they are five games behind the Celtics (35-11) and two behind the second-place Bucks (32-14).

Let’s not misunderstand, though. The Sixers still need to improve to match Boston’s caliber.

Additionally, despite having a higher ranking, Philly has a 1-4 overall record against the Knicks (29-17), Pacers (26-20), and Heat (24-22), who are in fourth, sixth, and seventh place, respectively.

Therefore, the Sixers’ chances of defeating any of those teams in a first-round series are far from assured. They are aware of it.

They also know full well that the front administration wants to make roster changes before the trade deadline of February 8.

When the Sixers play the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night at the Moda Center, they could get a close-up look at two players who could be acquired to help them. Malcolm Brogdon, a guard, was out Friday due to a right

Let’s not misunderstand, though. The Sixers still need to improve to match Boston’s caliber.

Additionally, despite having a higher ranking, Philly has a 1-4 overall record against the Knicks (29-17), Pacers (26-20), and Heat (24-22), who are in fourth, sixth, and seventh place, respectively.

Therefore, the Sixers’ chances of defeating any of those teams in a first-round series are far from assured. They are aware of it.

Their laceration on the knee would give them depth at guard. With his ailing middle back, forward Jerami Grant would be useful on both sides of the court. He has developed into a reliable scorer and is no longer a defensively inclined role player.

The two players the Sixers are unlikely to target are Toronto Raptors swingman Bruce Brown and Atlanta Hawks combo guard Dejounte Murray. However, if the Sixers could work out a deal for them, they would be fantastic acquisitions.

Getting Brown, Murray, Brogdon, or Grant does not ensure that the Sixers will defeat the Celtics in a postseason series. But it would provide them with a greater opportunity to do so.

The Sixers are a severely injured squad at the moment.

In a 111-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Saturday, Nico Batum was the only regular starter available.