Ok I know this is a big game but I am super jet lag now as I literally just got home from Tuscon, so this will be quick. This is a must win game for me. No it's really not that important in the grand scheme of things. We could end up playing the Heat or the Celtics whether we are in the 6th or 7th playoff spot. But this is more about the eye test. I want to see the Sixers let the Knicks know they aren't getting the 6th spot easily. I want to see them bounce back from a loss and continue to … [Read more...]

Step 1 is done. Sixers have clinched a playoff spot. With 7 games to play they are 4 games out of the 5th spot. That makes it highly unlikely they will move up. They are two and a half games ahead of the Knicks and it's possible if the Sixers pack it in now the Knicks could overtake us. Either way their first round match-up is entirely out of their hands. It's either the Heat or the Celtics whether we are in the 6th spot or the 7th. Everything is interchangeable top and bottom. So … [Read more...]

Quick post for tonight's important game before I run out to dinner. Win and the Sixers are in the playoffs - officially. The Nets, while still bad can never be considered a pushover with Deron Williams in the line-up surrounded by players capable of getting hot. Four simple (not easy) keys to the game: Don't let Williams go crazy, keep him to manageable production level Bait Lopez into 15-17 foot jumpers. I don't know what his deal is. He has completely abandoned what made him so … [Read more...]

Big win last game time out, need to build on it tonight vs. the surging Rockets. This game will be 100% about defense. Houston is a great offensively team, 3rd in the NBA in fact. They are well balanced offensively as well. They have shooters, penetrators and a solid inside threat. Iguodala will have his hands full with Kevin Martin (or vice versa depending on how you look at it) and Jrue will need to keep Kyle Lowry out of the lane. Key match-up is Brand/Hawes vs. Scola/Hayes. We need … [Read more...]

Stop the bleeding. The Sixers looked like they were on a crash course with the 5th seed and then they couldn't hold off the Heat and followed that up with a terrible performance at home to the Kings. Things won't get any easier in Chicago. The Bulls are 32-4 at home and Derrick Rose is playing some of his best basketball of the season. Tom Thibodeau has the Bulls ranked 2nd in the NBA in defense (they were 11th last season) and is looking like the front-runner for coach of the year (we really … [Read more...]

Sixers destroyed the Kings last time they played by 22 points. I see little reason for today's afternoon tip to result in anything different. Cousins is a beast that can't control himself and that limits how high is talent translates to consistent production. Sammy is Sammy. If he brings is best game he can dominate on the defensively and boards, but I just don't think he is in an environment conducive for that happening. Those two guys could cause issues for the Sixers front court if they … [Read more...]

Perfect timing for the game. The Sixers are playing very strong basketball and moving up the standings. They are still not a legit title contender but they are looking more and more like a team that could stage an upset in the first round of the playoffs. That means the Heat should want to send a clear message that the Sixers aren't in their league and the Sixers should want to make their presence felt and let the Heat know they will be in for an extremely tough first round series. Key … [Read more...]

Hawks got their asses kicked last night, I am not sure that's good or bad for the Sixers tonight. Their starters got rest since the game was well over early and they should be highly motivated to play well and remove the stench from their performance against the Bulls. Oh and not to mention the Sixers are only three and a half games back from taking over the 5th seed.The difference would mean playing Orlando in the first round vs. facing the Heat. Clearly there is a lot for the Hawks to … [Read more...]

Well done last night. Blew out the dysfunctional Kings like a 6th seed should do to a lottery team. Tonight things get much, much tougher against the Trailblazers. Portland is a very good home team at 23-10 and seem to be getting a bit healthier late in the season. Add to that the Sixers will have to win without the services of Andre Iguodala. Perfect time for one of the young guys to show themselves to be a leader tonight. Who will it be? This is your game thread. P.S. Please to … [Read more...]

The NCAA tournament is underway so my attention is clearly else where. This is by far the most entertaining basketball all year. But the Sixers still have games. Tonight against a horrible Sacramento squad. And that's the trap. The Kings are bad, but they have some talent and any give night even dysfunctional talent can beat you. That's what the Sixers need to guard against. We've  seen it before, the Sixers often play up to the competition and down to weak teams as well. The two key … [Read more...]