76ers-Thunder Pregame Outline
Game #47: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder @ 3:30
Where: Philadelphia, Wells Fargo Center
Line: Phi, -2
Watch: ABC
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
The 76ers (30-16) return home for the second game of “The Gauntlet” when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-18). In their last contest, the Sixers found a way to pull off a 120-96 win against the Indiana Pacers, even though they turned the ball over 18 times. Today, the Sixers would like to keep turnovers to a minimum, or they risk being burned by two of the NBA’s best players.
This is not the same Thunder team the Sixers played last season. With the departure of Melo, Paul George and Russell Westbrook have been able to find their groove, as one of the leagues best duos. George, coming into today, is averaging 26.6 PPG and has not missed a game this season. This is great for the league, as George’s absence was missed when he suffered that horrific leg injury a few seasons ago. On the other hand, Russell Westbrook has been making triple doubles look easy, for seemingly his entire career. Amassing a triple double during a game is difficult, but for Russell Westbrook it is like taking candy from a baby.
For the Sixers, to begin The Gauntlet 2-0 would be gigantic. Most analysts and fans believe this stretch will either make or break the Sixers as a team. Coming into today, Sixers star Center Joel Embiid is still dealing with a great deal of back soreness. Despite this injury, Joel was still able to almost secure a triple double against the Pacers a few nights ago.
With Joel dealing with this soreness, Jimmy Butler was able to step up and drop 27 points against Indiana. In games where Joel is either inactive or banged up, it is crucial the Sixers rely on Jimmy to be the guy. This is why they acquired him. Jimmy Butler is a star caliber player, with the capability of taking over games when he desires. Jimmy will be just as meaningful to the Sixers over this stretch as any player. They need to find chemistry as a team and this is the best opportunity to do so.
Entering todays game, The Sixers boast a record of 19-4 at home and 10-3 against Western Conference opponents. It is time for them to open up the sails, and roll full steam ahead. Momentum will be a major key for the Sixers during this stretch of games and today would help pick up some.
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