FOR AS MUCH as Philadelphia sports fans love to hate the 76ers' tanking, they might have to admit that they're still paying attention.
Local ratings for television broadcasts of 76ers games on Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network are up 45 percent this season, according to data compiled by the Sports Business Journal.
SBJ's data included games played through late January.
The Sixers' ratings increase is the third-biggest increase of any NBA team this season. It's even bigger than that enjoyed by the New York Knicks, who've commanded Gotham's media spotlight thanks to the exploits of rookie Kristaps Porzingis.