Jon Barry had a fun time in Philly over the weekend, working out with the Phillies and Charlie Manuel and talking about the Flyers victory over the Leafs.

He believes that Elton Brand will help the Sixers in their half-court woes and that this team will be scary in the playoffs. 

The Sixers fortunes turned around when I switched it to Comcast.  Only Zumoff though, can really call a great Ratliff highlight like no other.  The two-handed classic–his signature move.

Great call by DiLeo for putting Reggie Evans in the final minutes of the 4th quater, we really needed those rebounds.  And how about Evans and his improved free throw shooting?  

Different guys are really helping the Sixers and this team really looks like a team when they have depth!
Look at the different guys that came through in each of the 4th quarters in that three game homestand:

Atlanta–Theo Ratliff
Milwaukee–Donyell Marshall
Detroit–Reggie Evans

What I also like is that there was little celebration in the locker room when we clinched a playoff berth.  The Sixers matched last year’s win total and they won on National Television this season.  I think the Sixers know what the next task is– Obtaining the highest seed possible.

Now, we have a three game road trip of three teams below 0.500, but are not bad on their floors.  I think the Sixers will go 2-1 on their road trip.  Unlike Atlanta and Miami, they are the ultimate road warriors with depth!

4/5 @ New Jersey– A thorn (not Rod Thorn) to the Sixers backside.  They manage to have weird ways to lose to them in the 4th quarter.  7 Missed FG in  the first meeting, 18 Missed FG in the second, the 14 missed FTs out of 37 attempts to stage the miraculous shot by Devin Harris.  Being 0-3 against the Nets like that will simply be a MOTIVATIONAL factor for tonight’s game and back to back games will not be an excuse since both teams played hard fought games yesterday.  Also, Vince Carter is dealing with an Achilles tendon that has been bothering him.  The Sixers must attack him and bust their frustrating zone with Marshall or Rush!

4/7@ Charlotte– If North Carolina wins, expect more buzz in the Time Warner arena.  The Sixers have to come out with energy and the rebounding advantage and maintain it in order to beat the Bobcats.  Raja Bell is playing hurt and it would be wise for the Sixers to go right at him.  Make a commitment on the defensive plan–who to lockdown in particular–their guards or Boris Diaw/Gerald Wallace duo?  This will be a tough game, but then again, I have underestimated the Sixers in how much they amaze me (in a positve way).  Let’s see based on the Bobcats game against the Pistons, what their attitude will be.  This will be the Bobcats last home game this season before embarking on a 4 game road trip.

4/9 @ Chicago (on TNT):  Let’s impress the Chuckster!  The Sixers are one of the few teams to beat the Bulls on their floor.  This will be a tough game and the Bulls just play better on their own floor and have one of the easiest schedules in the regular season.  If the Sixers can contain Salmons and Gordon like they did at the Spectrum, then the Sixers could win.  The Sixers have won three straight at the United Center.  Watch out for the rising Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, they have been on a shotblocking tear.  Also Andre Miller vs Derrick Rose.
If I had to pick one the Sixers could shock people and win–it would be this one.  We have beaten some great home teams with great crowds (Bulls, Hawks, Rockets, Lakers, Blazers).  It would not surprise me, but the Bulls are used to national exposure on TNT.       

 GO SIXERS!!! 

Where are all the Samuel D.  Supporters now?   It can’t still be the flu right?

I am stoked about Brand coming back next season, along with Smith and a number 1 pick.

Going to the game tonight, wish that Thad was playing but my brother in law is a Reggie Evans fan so he should be happy.

Two HUGE games today, this has to be my favorite time of year.  Unfortunatley it is my GF’s sister’s BDAY and I won’t be making it to dinner, she’s pretty pissed, but I have to have my priorities in order.