Sixers @ Magic 2/22/08

[The Guilty Party]

@

Game Time: 7:30PM EST
TV: WPSG, NBALP, RSNE+O+W
Radio: WIP 610

Records
76ers: 24-31 (Won1 Straight)
Magic: 34-22 (Lost 1 Straight)

Previous Meetings
Feb. 1st @ PHI: Magic 108, Magic 106

Probable Starters



The Magic are a tough match-up for us that I don't think we can handle. I'm looking for Superman to have a huge game of 25/15 hence...

My Prediction: Magic by 5+



7. 24-30
8. 24-31
9. -1.0
10. -2.0
11. -2.5

[tk76]

I agree- tough matchup. We played our best against them last time and still fell short. The only improvement I could see is that Thad is playing with more confidence since they last met- but probably not enough to put us over the top.

I remember Iguodala having problems breaking out against Hedo. Hopefully he can drive more on him tonight.

[STChaser]

Yeah, Iguodala had major issues with Hedo last game. I also see Sam getting eaten up by Howard inside. I don't see us winning this one.

STChaser

[dond]

Well, regardless of the outcome of this game ....

I believe we are now going to get a good view of how good the Sixers really are at this point. They are now trying to stay in the playoff hunt. That is different than being a team that is rebuilding and just trying to surprise teams here and there. Also, they will be playing other teams who are more serious about winning now. Teams may now be paying attention to the Sixers a little more and making sure they do not fall asleep and get beat. So, now ... if they beat the so-called "good" teams, it is significant. If they don't, well ... back to reality ...

[The76thDegree]

Well, regardless of the outcome of this game ....

I believe we are now going to get a good view of how good the Sixers really are at this point. They are now trying to stay in the playoff hunt. That is different than being a team that is rebuilding and just trying to surprise teams here and there. Also, they will be playing other teams who are more serious about winning now. Teams may now be paying attention to the Sixers a little more and making sure they do not fall asleep and get beat. So, now ... if they beat the so-called "good" teams, it is significant. If they don't, well ... back to reality ...

Exactly - its reality check time

[THFM]

Last time, I said I had a feeling we would win, and we came extremely close and I still have the same feeling. I think we pull out an upset tonight.

[STChaser]

Anyone else notice that this team has a general strategy that they've been employing in the last month or so? I've noticed that they start off the 1st quarter with more of a half court offense and by late 1st quarter, early second, they really pick up the pace and start running the floor. Coming out of halftime, they seem to focus on just keeping the score close and by late 3rd, early 4th, they start running again. Guess it's their way of pacing themselves so they're not spent come 4th quarter - and the team as a whole seems to understand that their young enough and athletic enough to outrun their opponents when they go all out. Also, the team as a whole seems to be in great shape. Even the Knicks commentators couldn't stop talking about how physically fit our team as a whole is. Then again, most teams are going to look in shape when compared to the Knicks...

So here's a question. IF our team plays it's game - fast break, lock down defense, etc., run, run, run, can we compete against the better teams in the league? Are our players fast enough and athletic enough to out-hustle our competition? I know we don't have the shooters that many of the better teams in the league have. Nor do we have the post presence of a Duncan, Yao, Howard, etc. But what this team does seem to have is athletes across the board who can flat out run and get the easy fast break layups. Will that compensate for our deficiencies against the better teams in the league?

STChaser

[tk76]

Its hard to outrun a team in the beginning of the game, because both teams are fresh. We tend to try to get out running more as the other team slows down, and if the other team has drawn fouls.

Our running style works best at home, where the croud- meager as it is- pumps the team up, and when we are facing tired teams playing back-to back games. This sort of explains why we couldn't get out running against the Wolves (although we still should have won.)

[PrimeTime21]

If it's any consulation Orlando's defense looked atrocious last game out against Orlando, then again Van Gundy ripped on Howard after the game so he might come out angry

[MicrOLak3R]

Lou & Thad go for career highs. Six3rs by 15

[Sandalf42]

I like the Sixers in this game. They're stifling backcourt defense will give Jameer Nelson fits. Plus, I think Reggie Evans can match up against Dwight Howard better than most players in the NBA.

Close throughout, but Sixers win by 4.

[sec-106]

Sixers +7.5.

I'll give the points.

[BigKev073]

Sammy is playin scared as hell...

[tk76]

Iguodala needs to study tape of his games against Hedo. He's being guarded by a guy nearly 7ft, and yet all he seems to want to do is take pull up jumpers. He really needs to attack him.

[MicrOLak3R]

Is it ever a full house on here? Game threads are seem to get the most action before games.

[bubbachuck]

the sixers blow.

[tk76]

I mostly watch on DVR. This place was a lot more active before the AI trade- and likely won't have active game threads until we are a wiiner.

[IversonsMother]

Sammy is playin scared as hell...

He always does against the premier players.

Also, Iggy needs to step up his game. He really needs to learn how to drive and finish.

We miss Evans.. What is wrong with him?

[Hewy29]

i love thad's game, but he is way to good of an athlete to keep finishing soft at the rim.

[bebopdeluxe]

While I agree with those who feel we need to upgrade the PF position, I wonder how much a Horford-like PF will help us defend the perimeter?