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Game Time: 7:00PM EST
TV: CN8, NBATV
Radio: WIP 610
Games Remaining: 4 (Home: 2; Away: 2)

Records
76ers: 40-38 (Won 1)
Pacers: 34-44 (Won 3)

Previous Meetings
Dec. 19th @ IND: Pacers 102, 76ers 85
Jan. 21st @ PHI: Pacers 110, 76ers 103

Probable Starters



The Sixers have come up short in the two previous games against the Pacers but those were different times. The Pacers do however, come in here an extremely hungry team fighting for the chance to stay in the playoff race. A lose (and an Atlanta win) could do them in so this should be a tough fought game. In the end though, I think the Sixers make the plays that win the game hence...

My Prediction: 76ers by 5+



*5. 41-37
*6. -1.0
*7. -2.0
8. -5.0
9. -7.0

*clinched playoff berth

I hope Thaddeus has a big game. It seems to me like he's starting to hit his rookie wall - at the worst conceivable time too....


STChaser

I wouldnt worry about Thad too much. When you get your stats the way he does, there will be a natural ebb and flow depending on chance, minutes, fouls, etc. His effort is still there, and he's still all around the basket so I'm not sweating it too much. I think his calm demeanor and willingness to work will serve him well as a rook in the postseason.

On a positive note, Jason Smith is looking sharp for the run.

Jason Smith was on fire last night. I wonder what this kid's ceiling is. He's got nice mobility for a 7 footer and his midrange jumper is quite impressive. His footwork on defense looks pretty good too.

STChaser

I'll open up the flood gates on this one, but I'm not convinced Jason Smith couldn't eventually start in this league.

Johnny Broad-Street wrote:I'll open up the flood gates on this one, but I'm not convinced Jason Smith couldn't eventually start in this league.

I agree with you on this one. He probably needs to bulk up a little to give himself his best chance. He has a shot he can make on a consistent basis and he is willing to challenge players that try to score on him inside.
Adding bulk will help him stay in position to rebound.

I agree that Jason Smith could start. Now Willie Green on the other hand...

I can see Jason Smith starting on some teams, but he is a very solid back up big man, which is hard to find in this league.

I see Jason Smith as a career backup who will ocassionally become a starter when injuries happen. I guess I see him as sort of a Jeff Foster type. Good backup that every team wants but not a guy you want starting 82 games for you.

carlos1223 wrote:I agree that Jason Smith could start. Now Willie Green on the other hand...

Carlos ... Nice to hear from you again. I missed your postings since you were LMAO about Willie Green having a great game (over 50% shooting percentage) in the Detroit game. Guess what ? He had a great game !!! LMAO .... LOL .....

I do not forgive easily dond. I am not going to suggest we should keep Green just cuz he has a good game once in a while. Hes too inconsistent and he is nearly 27 years old. Time to give up on him

carlos1223 wrote:I do not forgive easily dond. I am not going to suggest we should keep Green just cuz he has a good game once in a while. Hes too inconsistent and he is nearly 27 years old. Time to give up on him

If you want to give up on him ... fine. However, it might be nice to at least acknowledge his good moments instead of only hammering his bad moments. Seems only fair ...

Are you crazy, dond? Asking somebody to acknowledge when their favorite whipping boy has a good game?!? Why...that goes against every tenet of internet forum protocol....

bebopdeluxe wrote:Are you crazy, dond? Asking somebody to acknowledge when their favorite whipping boy has a good game?!? Why...that goes against every tenet of internet forum protocol....

Unfortunately there is a lot of truth to what you say ... However, with perserverence ... maybe that tendency can be made less popular. And who knows ... maybe more of the positive "fans" will wish to jump in to these conversations periodically. Onward and Upward ...

I actually think that this game is gonna be a blowout with the Pacers winning....

They have a hell of a lot to play for and so they should play at their best. They are 8-3 in their last 11 games too...And we match up horribly with them.

Hope I'm wrong though.
[/b]

Green is bad for 3/4 of the season and good for 1/4 of the season. Its kinda hard to love a player that plays like that. I like Green but he should not be starting in this league. He is a bench player. Now if he was strictly a bench player I would love him.

Sixers by 10+

Sixers -5.

On the fence, but I'll take the points.

This is a grudge game as far as I'm concerned. Sam needs to really step up and play his best basketball. Keys to winning this game;

1) Sam needs to step up and play excellent ball
2) I would put Smith on O'neal for long stretches
3) We really need to guard the perimeter this time around.
4) I would put Evans on Foster - both are dirty players that like to bang.

STChaser

Jason Smith, Thad, and Carney are the guys that I'm watching this game. All three players right now are at questionable places in their confidence/productivity. Carney and Jason are on the high end and Thad has been on the low end the last few games. Ideally we will have all three flying high for the playoffs. Dalembert is rounding into shape like I knew that he would for the playoffs. I'm expecting to see him put together some 15 15 and 4 games for us. BUT, Dalembert's athleticism has seemed to be diminished the last 20-30 or so games, any reason why?