After an ugly yet ultimately victorious night against the Jazz on Saturday, the Sixers have gone 4-1 in their final 5 video games. Sure, it could have included just a few opponents attempting to tank, nevertheless it isn’t too unhealthy contemplating the Sixers have been lacking all their stars. Crucially, it’s stored them alive in the playoff image at seventh in the East, relatively than slipping any additional down the extremely tight convention standings.
The story is perhaps a little completely different on Monday, although: they’re welcoming the perfect group in the NBA to Philly.
Even although the Pistons and Spurs are inside three or 4 wins of the Thunder, OKC nonetheless sit atop the league with their 56-15 report.
The Sixers are going to need to compete shorthanded but once more too. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Johni Broome all stay out. And as in the event that they weren’t already down sufficient rotation gamers, Dominick Barlow is just uncertain to return after struggling a left ankle sprain against Utah.
For the Thunder, the notable absence is beginning guard Ajay Mitchell, who’s suspended one sport following the Wizards-Thunder altercation.
Meanwhile, the the Thunder are getting extra firepower again — as in the event that they even wanted it for this sport. 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams, who was having one other high quality season this yr earlier than being out since mid February with a hamstring damage, is now obtainable.
With a superb offense and the league’s prime protection, stellar top-end expertise and unbeatable depth, the Thunder comfortably have the league’s prime internet ranking at a ridiculous +11.0 — manner forward of the second-place Pistons and Celtics, tied at +8.0.
There are clearly going to be nightmare matchups throughout the board in this one. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is but once more taking part in like an MVP-level drive this season after successful the award final yr. His scoring has one way or the other turn into much more environment friendly, as he’s racking up 31.6 factors per sport with improved three-point accuracy (39.0 %), an absurd career-high of 60.0 % from two-point vary (together with 76.2 % inside three ft) and, unsurprisingly, a career-high 66.5 true capturing proportion in consequence.
Shai goes to get his factors against anybody, nevertheless it’s good expertise for VJ Edgecombe to compete his hardest, make the most of his athleticism, and see if he can disrupt some of Shai’s possessions at the least.
First-time All-Star Chet Holmgren is having his finest season but too, and can give these smaller Sixers (and Adem Bona and Andre Drummond when he’s at middle) loads of work to cowl floor against his mobility, measurement, and vary from the arc. Paired with Isaiah Hartenstein’s ability, measurement and powerful rebounding at middle, the Sixers’ frontcourt is actually going to be bullied with out Embiid round.
With a bunch of different expertise in their guard and wing rotation as effectively, offering capturing and/or prime protection — from Cason Wallace to Lu Dort and Alex Caruso — there actually is not any letup when dealing with the Thunder.
And then lastly, there’s the opposite guard we now have to say… Jared McCain. He was all the time going to thrive in an offense with as a lot stability, playmaking, and spacing as OKC’s, and he hasn’t hesitated to do exactly that with the strong play time he’s had already. McCain already has 4 20-point video games in his transient spell with OKC, in comparison with a mere one with the Sixers this season.
He’s averaging 12.3 factors on a 62.0 true capturing proportion via his first 19 video games there. McCain appears to be like proper at house in the Thunder offense with the way in which he’s getting open off the ball, working off screens, and creating off the bounce for himself. It wouldn’t be stunning to see him convey a bit of additional hearth against the group that foolishly traded him away.
As particular as Edgecombe’s arrival has been for the Sixers this season, and pretty much as good as he’s seemed over the past two video games together with his profession night against the Kings and 22-point, 13-rebound double-double against Utah, attempting to paved the way against this Thunder protection is one other type of sport altogether. That stated, even when (when) the Sixers get crushed, Edgecombe delivering against the NBA’s finest protection could be a enjoyable assertion for the rook to return away with.
Hopefully for the Sixers, Quentin Grimes can maintain his sturdy play rolling after averaging 24.6 factors over the past 5 video games. And if Justin Edwards can discover the type of groove he had in his 32-point, seven-triple outburst against Kings too, that’ll make issues a little extra attention-grabbing.
None of that can actually matter a lot in this one, although. It’s onerous for any group to beat the Thunder on a very good day, not to mention the Sixers in their present state.
At least final week was a hit for the Sixers’ place in the East. And as soon as they get via what’s going to possible be a brutal loss on Monday, life will at the least get simpler for them for the remainder of the week with the Bulls then Hornets for their subsequent two video games.
When: Monday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
