NBA 2017-18: The 5 Best Defenses of the Regular Season

#3 Philadelphia 76ers - 102.0 points allowed per 100 possessions

Golden State Warriors v Philadelphia 76ers

After years of being a bargain basement team, the Sixers finally pulled their young stars from the treatment table and fielded an NBA-ready lineup. The results were instantly gratifying, as the Sixers went from a 28-54 record to a 52-30 record, bolstered by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons operating in the starting lineup.

Embiid is currently the most well-rounded big man in the game, and it's not particularly close. He's nearly as good of an offensive weapon as DeMarcus Cousins, while he's about as great a defender as Rudy Gobert. The 7'2" Cameroonian native has made it to the All-NBA Second Team as well as the All-Defensive Second Team in his first full campaign, and he's a primary reason why Philly are first in opponent field-goal percentage league-wide.

He's not the only defensive ace in the team either. Ben Simmons has shown remarkable feel for the defensive side of the game, and he is able to switch onto all 5 positions on the court without getting exploited. Robert Covington is an All-Defensive First Team selection, and Dario Saric is another multitalented perimeter player who is a capable defender.

All things considered, the flashes of brilliance the Sixers showed this season make them one of the most dangerous Eastern Conference teams out there.