3 76ers on Thin Ice Heading Into the Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a pivotal postseason, starting with the play-in game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. As the seventh-seed, the Sixers will have two chances to win one to get into the playoffs. If they beat the Heat, they are facing the two-seed New York Knicks. If they lose but win the next play-in game, they will face the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Regardless of who they face, the Sixers need to prove a lot in the playoffs. Another early and desultory exit in the playoffs will raise questions about Joel Embiid and this team's viability as a title contender. There are a few players who are on thin ice heading into the postseason, meaning that they need to show a lot more than they recently have to prove their worth to the organization. Let's take a look.

Robert Covington

RoCo has been a fan favorite in Philly ever since he was a developmental success story for The Process era. An unheralded, undrafted young player blossomed into a solid three-and-D player in the league, contributing to several playoff teams.

However, at age 33, Covington is not the player he once was. After being acquired by the Sixers as part of the James Harden trade early in the season, the veteran forward hasn't figured much for Philadelphia. Appearing in 26 games for 16.1 minutes on average, Covington has been struggling to stay healthy and play extended minutes at this stage of his career. He has been sidelined since Dec. 30 with a bone bruise in his left knee but the Sixers haven't ruled him out for the playoffs just yet.

Covington's contract is expiring at the end of this season. Unless he shows that he can still contribute in the next few weeks, the Sixers are likely better off letting him walk this summer.