I'm guessing there is some collusion or a prank going on.
The Sixers thought they were a sure 16 or less win team this year, making sure they made all the wrong moves to get there.
But all 29 owners got together and decided, "Hey, wouldn't it be funny if we all lost to them at least once (Celtics and Suns and Magic volunteered for multiple losses).
At the end of the season when the Sixers are at 40 wins, Stern is going to point to a flower pot and say, "Smile, your on candid camera"