Depressed Fan

Riding high on a season-high four-game winning streak, the Sixers will play host to the Seattle Supersonics tonight. The Sonics are riding a streak of their own, a three-gamer, thanks in large part to Marbury's late-game choke job and the Knicks' complete ineptitude from the line (24-38 from the charity stripe, led by Fat Eddy's 5-10) in the Sonics 100-99 win at the Garden last night.

If the Sixers want to extend this streak to five they're going to have to account for Ray Allen, as always, and Rashard Lewis, who's been playing inspired ball. This is a problem for the Sixers. Iguodala can't guard both of them, meaning Willie Green is probably going to match up with Allen. I fully expect an explosion from Ray-Ray in the early going, and probably another first quarter deficit for the Sixers. Rodney Carney's absence will be felt in this one, teams with a talented two and three completely handcuff the Sixers. We'll probably see Iggy shift over to Allen when Korver comes in, which will create opportunities for Lewis.

On the offensive side of the ball, I expect the Sixers to score plenty tonight. The Sonics have no presence in the middle, struggle on the boards, and are coming off a back-to-back. This game will probably unfold just like the last game did, the Sixers will come out flat, their offense will be stagnant and the Sonics will take advantage of matchups on D, then Korver and Joe Smith will come in. Korver will run Lewis ragged off of screens and Smith will bring energy to the front line. The Sixers will outlast a tired team for their fifth win in a row.