I'm a bit late with our fourth 10-game preview of the season, mainly because I didn't want to predict 0-10. After the jump we'll take a look at the upcoming schedule, I'll try on some predictions for size and we'll discuss the new lens we're going to have to view the season through.
Looking at the upcoming schedule, it's amazing how far this team has fallen since the season began. I mean, on equal rest, with a healthy roster, I'd say the Sixers are a clear favorite to beat three to five teams in this league, at the most. New Jersey, Golden State, Minnesota, Indiana and I'm going to say New York, simply because I'm not buying this hot streak they're on. That's it. You'd have to give the edge to the other 24 teams in the league, unless there are extenuating circumstances (injuries, days of rest, etc.)
With that in mind, here's the upcoming 6 games with my prediction/breakdown for each:
- vs. Toronto (tonight) - After a pitiful start, Jack has been inserted into the starting lineup and given them a little boost on the defensive end. They've been on a roll recently and even if they revert to their terrible defensive ways, they have better offense than the Sixers. So in a battle of bad defense vs. bad defense, the better offense wins. LOSS
- @ Detroit (Saturday night) - I won't be watching this one live, since the Eagles will be in Dallas reminding Tony Romo that he's a gutless wonder. Second night of a back-to-back against a well-rested, horrible Pistons team. Advantage Pistons. They're also in the midst of an 11-game losing streak, which I fully expect them to snap. LOSS
- vs. New Orleans (Monday) - Charlotte has been horrible on the road, but Chris Paul vs. Lou Williams or Allen Iverson for 35 minutes doesn't seem fair to me. LOSS
- vs. NYK (Wednesday) - As I said above, I'll believe it when I see it from the Knicks. I'm counting this one as a win. WIN
- vs. SAC (Next Friday) - If Evans is back, this game is a different story from when the teams met in Sacramento. I don't believe Martin will be back yet, and while I think Westphal will probably have learned some lessons from their previous meeting, I still think the Sixers pull this one out at home. WIN
- @ Minnesota (Monday, 1/18) - MLK Day matinee in the Twin Cities. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson up front, Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions at the point. Don't like those matchups against Thad at the four and Lou/AI3 on the perimeter one bit. Not one bit. LOSS
So I have 2-4 and a record of 12-28 through 40 games. Your predictions, thoughts, concerns, rants and protestations in the comments, as usual.
To be fair I think that you should mention that you underestimated the last 10 game win-loss record. This team is abysmal, but the talent on the roster alone should be enough in a couple games.
Yeah, I had them at 2-8 in games 20-30, they finished 3-7.
I think Chris Paul could have a perfect shooting night for 30 points and something like 17 assists. Jrue gets 1:30 to guard him as well to "get after it."
this team coached by any other coach in the wordl would win all the upcoming six games: all these team are worse than Sixers to me
being Jordan our coach I'd say 4-2, with losses vs Toronto and New Orleans
if we lose at Minnesota I don't see how Jordan can NOT be fired
i hope to christ the sixers lose that game then
Hi everybody,
being Jordan "The Master of missmatchups and rotations", 1-5 @Minnesota ("the lonely win"). Toronto have improve their defense and Calderon is back, so I don't see a win. vs NYK and SAC yes, we are better (I still believe our roster should be at 4th - 5ht seed in Eastern Conference without Jordan), but we were also "better" than Wizards and... 0-3. Jordan learning something... no way! Please FIRE Jordan!!
Knicks are sneaky good this year. Watch out for them.
Uptown.
This is where is "all starts coming together" and we get some empty wins. I certainly won't mind seeing them win (while I watch I root for the win, but big picture understand losses right now help long term.) But I have little stomach for any positive spin I here from the team's mouthpieces.
4-2
"here" should read "hear"
They will probably win 2-3 games. I'll go with Brian's answer.
1. vs. Toronto: bargnani is the exact type of big man that gives us problems - he stretches the floor. Which means less than 30 minutes for Brand. Which means a loss.
2. @ Detroit: Third time's the charm? Philly squeaks out a win.
3. vs. New Orleans: CP3 vs. whoever-the-Sixers-throw-at-him. And you know Jrue isn't getting more than 10 minutes this game in order to protect his psyche. Loss.
4. vs. New York: One of their shooters is going to get hot. And Nate Robinson is going to run AI and Lou in circles. If he plays. Loss.
5. vs. Sacramento: If Tyreke Evans does play this may be a different story, but still the Kings (off the top of my head) are much weaker away from Arco. Win.
6. @ Minnesota: It's sad when you think about it, because looking at the rosters the Sixers should win every matchup - except at guard. And unfortunately the Sixers can lose to guys like Ramon Sessions and Jonny Flynn. Loss.
2-4, just with a different win than Brian.
I believe it will be either 5-1 with the 5 being either wins or losses. Btw, I am usually wrong!
And, why would any Philadelphia fan watch the 76ers Saturday night when the Eagles are playing (of course, unless it is like last Sunday!).
2-4, likely 1-5, with the only win in Minnesota