It looks like Andre Iguodala will make his return - after missing seven games - against the Indiana Pacers tonight in Philly. Not a moment too soon, either. With a win, the Sixers will pass Indy for the coveted number seven seed in the Eastern Conference. Let's take a look at the keys.
Here are the game capsules from the
first meeting (a loss in Indy) and
the second (a win at home.
Yesterday, Doug Collins said he won't use Iguodala for his typical 40 minutes, he's going to ease him back in to get him back into game shape. I'd be surprised if he played less than 35 or so, though. Regardless, it's going to be a breath of fresh to have him back on the floor to lock down Danny Granger. I've had enough of Nocioni trying to hang with guys on the perimeter.
We've got the Jrue vs. Collison storyline, which is always interesting, but that's not the key to this game. For me, the biggest factor is going to be stopping Indy's energetic, yet under-talented power forwards from stealing possessions on the offensive glass, and picking up garbage hoops with nothing more than hustle. Hansbrough and McRoberts are the types of aggressive bigs who can have a big impact with their energy, especially if the Sixers bigs are feeling soft. They aren't good players, by any means, so don't let them impact the game. Just match their energy and don't give them the freebies.
Hibbert got off to a good start, but he's pretty much an inefficient big man at this point who doesn't rebound particularly well. Beyond the danger of hyperactive power forwards, the three point line will be key. Collison, Granger, Dunleavy and Brandon Rush all like to shoot it and shoot it above league-average. Chase them off the line.
Finally back at full strength (probably), at home, against a team they're in competition with for a playoff berth. This one has to be a win.
Prediction: PHI 107, IND 92
The tip is at 7pm. Game thread 90 minutes prior. Also, the game capsule from the
Detroit game is up now. Your thoughts and prediction in the comments.
You're right Brian this has to be a win. Hope Turner can have a good game as well. I think a decent stretch in 4-5 games might help him break out.
I'd like to see Turner have a good game with Iguodala on the floor... if only to dispel some of the concerns in this area.
I'm expecting Iguodala to be a bit deferential to Jrue and others tonight given what he has said in recent interviews.
Well, Turner has a clear athletic advantage over Dunleavy, there aren't a ton of SGs in the league who you can say that about. Hopefully, he takes advantage.
That would be the brother of Kareem Rush, Brandon.
Good catch, it's fixed.
You must have been remembering how non existent Kareem was for the Sixers when we had him. :)
This game is the equivalent of the start of Turner's second season in college. I expect a big game from him.
Did Jodie completely shut down all hope that ET may take his starting spot with his recent 25 point explosion? Or is there a chance that ET may take his spot in the near future?
Jrue, Brand and Iguodala will start every game they're healthy enough for, I'd say the other two spots can be taken, if someone really steps up. But they're really going to have to do something of note to take the spots away from Meeks and Hawes, I think Collins is partial to the lineup as it stands. If Jodie didn't play his way out of it with that horrible month, it's going to be hard for him to do it at all. Turner's going to have to take it from him.
Meeks really responded to Collins's hint that Meeks might lose his starting fire. Good job of lighting a fire under him to get him back to where he was attacking to earn his minutes instead of being afraid to make a mistake.
Its taken a while, but I think we are starting to see a bit more of the same effect on Turner (he lost his job weeks ago.) He's finally being aggressive. I'm not in love with all of the deep 2s and pull up jumpers, but at least he is no longer passive. He can clean up his shot selection with time.
don't like the way his jumper rattles around, even when it goes in. He's really going to have to fix that touch if he ever wants to be a consistent mid range player
1. he needs a bit more arc He's no Andre Miller, but he's too flat- which usually limits your range and consistency. Unless you are Lou. Then you can shoot flat jumpers out to 25 feet.
But I don't think Turner's jumper is completely broken to where he can't use it as a weapon.
Iguodala to play and start tonight. Nocioni also expected to play.