11 days and three losses ago, the Sixers learned what it takes to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. They also learned how to let the Cavs run all over them. Which lesson stuck? We're going to find that out tonight, in Cleveland, when the Sixers try to break their three-game losing streak and bookend this road trip with W's.
Check out the game capsule of their previous game here.
It wasn't hard to discern how the Sixers lost their previous matchup. Cleveland grabbed almost 40% of their available offensive rebounds and went to the line 48 times. Other than that, the Sixers played a stellar game. Jrue Holiday had his way with whoever attempted to guard him, scoring 29 points on 17 shots and handing out 8 assists with zero turnovers. Spencer Hawes played an impossibly bad game. In his six minutes, the Sixers were outscored 19-3. Collins actually made the decision to with Battie to start the third quarter, Hawes was never heard from again after his second pitiful stint on the floor. Varejao hit all 10 of his shots to lead Cleveland.
So, those lessons we learned? Well, for starters, the Sixers need to focus on the defensive glass. The frontcourt is going to be overmatched, as usual, so it's imperative that the smalls help out on the glass. This effort would be aided greatly if Evan Turner saw 35 minutes or so, but it can't just be him. Iguodala and Jrue both need to forget about leaking out. Send five guys to the defensive glass, make sure you secure the rebound, then push the ball up the floor. Early offense isn't as effective as pure transition, but hustling down the floor could allow Brand to get JJ Hickson on the blocks, rather than Sideshow Bob (if he plays), which is a big advantage for the Sixers.
In the half court, look for Jrue to attack Mo Williams (if he plays) and Boobie Gibson, much like he did the last time. Iguodala needs to continue to go to the hole and use his size to create a mismatch closer to the hoop. He's made a concerted effort since coming back from his achilles sprain, keep it up.
Both Mo Williams and Varejao are currently listed as questionable for tonight's game. I'm guessing they'll both play based purely on the "Sixer have no luck," theory.
Everyone seems to be excited for Evan Turner's first real game back in Ohio. I don't really care about home towns, unless of course Collins will be motivated to give Turner extra minutes and the slightly elevated importance of the game to Turner will light a fire under him.
Ultimately, these teams are pretty evenly matched. Take Varejao out of the equation, and the advantage has to fall to the Sixers. If they can manage to keep Cleveland's free throw attempts to a decent number, they've got a good shot at picking up their third win.
Matchup to Watch: Elton Brand and Thad Young vs. Antawn Jamison. Jamison has had some huge games against the Sixers in the past. Brand will have to cover him out to three point range, which is a challenge. If the Cavs have done any scouting, you can expect both Jamison and Hickson to run a ton of pick-and-pops with the guards. If those plays wind up with 18-foot jumpers from the bigs, I like our chances. If they wind up with endless penetration by the guards, it could be another disappointment.
Prediction: Sixers 115, Cavs 107
The tip is at 7:30, game thread will be up at 6. Your predictions and thoughts in the comments.
Varejao and Mo Williams are both listed as game-time decisions. Without them, you have to think the Sixers are prohibitive favorites, no? Wonder what the Vegas line is.
Just saw on Twitter Iguodala will not play tonight, assuming it's the achilles sprain, again.
Damn we could really use Iguodala tonight. I was hoping he would return to form and lead us to a victory tonight but I think we can pull It off without him hopefully.
I'd like our chances a lot better if Iguodala was playing. Wonder if Cleveland is going to actually gameplan to stop Jrue after he dropped 29 on them last time.
Of course they will. Byron Scott is a good coach... As is Doug Collins
it'll be interesting to see to fairly bad teams without their best players. Someone has to step up right?
I don't buy your logic that A. Byron Scott is a good coach or B. that means they'll play better defense on Jrue, especially if Mo Williams doesn't play.
Can't play better defense if you don't have good defenders
Brian was wondering whether they would gameplan about Jrue and i said YES. I never said that they will actually succeed. There is a big difference...
You said yes based on a premise about byron scott's coaching ability that I just don't buy...
Well the guy went to two finals appearances with the Nets, and to the western conference semifinals with the Hornets.
That makes him a good coach. I don't think he's great by any means but he's an above average coach in the NBA. I would rank him in the 10-12 range from the current NBA coaches.
With the talent levels of these teams, the quality of coaches can only go so far though. Scott has been a fairly successful guy in better situations though.
I agree that the talent level of the team makes a huge difference. But you can't take away success because if it. Phil Jackson is largely considered the best coach of all time and he's never coached a bad team roster-wise.
Moreover, the biggest reason why he is not in the top 7-8 coaches is the fact that he is similar to Scott Skiles in that he wears his players out after a few seasons. Lets hope Collins will change with the Sixers because that's what reputation says as well.
Don Nelson has the most wins of a head coach all time
Many consider that makes him a good coach
In all sports the coach/manager is given more credit for wins and more credit for losses than most likely he deserves.
The sixers were bad under eddie jordan
jordan got fired and everyone said 'hallelujah - the sixers are better just cause eddie jordan got fired'
The sixers still stink - why - cause the talent on the roster is worse than last year
Yeah your points are fine, but they say nothing about whether Byron Scott is a good coach or not. He is. Also, the actual comment was about the fact that Byron Scott is a good coach so he will try to gameplan for Jrue. Don't understand what issue you have with this. There are things a team can do to limit a player on the other team regardless of the roster.
The 1st and 4th quarter defense was horrendous from this game last time. Layup lines at the end of the game. I want to see Jrue make some stuff happen on defense tonight. He has the ability to harass these guards.
I personally think Byron Scott is a good coach. I would like to know your reason why u dont consider him a good coach.
Hopefully its at least an interesting game, but I can't help but envision another loss. Varejao will completely own Hawes and Speights on the glass and Cleveland can still execute well enough to create good looks on offense. If their shooters are hitting, then we could be in for another long night. Hopefully Turner steps it up in Iguodala's absence. Suffice it to say, my confidence level in this team isn't exactly at an all time high.
God forbid Elton Brand stops playing like a madman...
Sorry to drag you down some more Jack.
Elton Brand continuing to play at his level with all these back to backs is why i think 3 wins is the best they'l do...i'm concerned about how he'll maintain as the season progresses...sixers have 10 games in the next 17 days (or so) - be interesting to see how brand holds up
http://philadunkia.com/?p=3085