Breaking down the Sixers eight-game seeding schedule *again*
Ok, let’s do this one more time.
I wrote an article similar to this over a month ago, previewing what I thought was the Sixers’ Orlando Schedule. Then the NBA went and released the actual, official seeding schedule and turn my hard work into shit. It’s my own fault for trusting Twitter. I blame SixersAdam.
Admittedly, when I first saw the Sixers official schedule, it didn’t make me feel great. Despite being the second-easiest schedule in the NBA, you could talk me into the Sixers going 0-8. I mean, it’s the Sixers. Thankfully, since seeing them in Orlando, I’m feeling much better.
The Sixers looked impressive in their three exhibition games. They finished the pseudo preseason with a 2-1 record, including a come-from-behind overtime lose to the Dallas Mavericks, that honestly felt more like a win. For the first time in a long time, I actually feel kinda good about the Sixers. It’s terrifying.
I’m ready to get hurt again.
Here are my predictions for the Sixers’ seeding games:
Game 1: Indiana Pacers
This is an interesting opening opponent for the Sixers. The Pacers have had their number this season, but they may be without All-Star Domantas Sabonis, and Victor Oladipo is still getting caught up to speed after missing most of the regular season.
The Pacers aren’t a team to overlook, and could be trouble later down the line, but they’ve got too much going against them. Even if Sabonis plays, there’s no telling what shape he and Oladipo – who shot 4-16 in his last exhibition game – will be in. This will be the first game of basketball in three months that actually counts, I expect Embiid will come ready to play. Sixers win.
Record Prediction: 1-0
Game 2: San Antonio Spurs
Brett Brown gets to face off against his mentor with playoff seeding on the line. This is one the Sixers are going to try and win for their coach. If this were the regular season, I’d expect someone like Bryn Forbes to go off for 30 points and the Spurs win, but we’re in Orlando now.
The Spurs went 1-2 in exhibition and looked every bit as underwhelming as that record might suggest. They’re currently sitting in the 12th seed. This hasn’t been a great season for the Spurs and it doesn’t seem like things have changed in Orlando. Sixers win.
Record Prediction: 2-0
Game 3: Washington Wizards
This is another game I’d probably expect the Sixers to lose if this were the regular season. The Wizards are one of the league’s highest scoring offenses and their pace has given the Sixers some trouble this year. Of course, they also have the worst defense in the league, so it all evens out.
When it comes to incentive, the Wizards aren’t playing for much. They’re the only Eastern conference team in Orlando that’s currently sitting on the outside of the playoff picture. And considering they’re five and a half games out of the eighth seed, it’ll take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. This could be the game that eliminates the Wizards from playoff contention. I’m thinking the Sixers take care of business and get the win.
Record Prediction: 3-0
Game 4: Orlando Magic
Of course, the Sixers have to play Markelle Fultz. Life is cruel and poetic and constantly reminds Sixers fans of how awful this organization really is, so of course they have to face Futz. Wasted draft assets aside, the Magic are a team that matches up extremely well with the Sixers defensively. They’re long, athletic, and big enough in the post to defend Embiid.
This is a game the Sixers should win, but this is also the only legit road game on the schedule, so it’s tough to say. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the Sixers, considering they’re the vastly more talented team. Sixers win.
Record Prediction: 4-0
Game 5: Portland Trail Blazers
It’s been a long time coming, but the Trail Blazers finally get their chance at revenge after Furkan Korkmaz’ last second buzzer beater in November. It’s funny, the Sixers potentially could have the same record as they did when they faced the Blazers in the regular season, 4-0. If I’m being honest, the Sixers were lucky to beat the Blazers they last time they played. I’m not sure how lucky they’ll be this time around.
The Blazers will have a healthy starting front court for the first time all season. If Damian Lillard can recapture his midseason form, when he averaged 34.1 points per game, while shooting 45% on ten three point attempts per game, the Blazers are going to be a tough team to beat in Orlando. I’ll chalk this up as a Sixers loss. Ya can’t win them all.
Record Prediction: 4-1
Game 6: Phoenix Suns
This is gonna be a weird game. Maybe it’s the fact the Sixers will be facing the likes of Dario Saric and Aaron Bayness, but something about this matchup gives me weird vibes. The Suns are the team who broke the Sixers’ perfect record early on in the season, so this is their chance to finally get revenge.
It’s never smart to bet against Devin Booker when he plays the Sixers. He’s averaged 35.8 points per game in his last six matchups against the Sixers, including a 40-point outing in November. Plus the Suns will have Deandre Ayton, who was suspended when the two teams first met. But then again, the Sixers were also without Embiid, who was also on suspension, in their previous meeting with the Suns. My head says Sixers loss, but my gut says Sixers win, so I’m gonna go with my belly. Sixers win.
Record Prediction: 5-1
Game 7: Toronto Raptors
This game will be a dress rehearsal of sorts for the Sixers. While it isn’t their last seeding game, it may be the most impactful and could give us a good idea of what to expect of the Sixers in the playoffs. The Raptors are the team that eliminated the Sixers from the playoffs last year and we all know for a fact Kawhi Leonard’s shot has been playing on repeat in the minds of Simmons and Embiid all offseason.
The Raptors’ defense is very much legit. They’ve got the size and athleticism to match up with the Sixers and they’ve held Embiid to only five points per game in their two previous meetings this year. Toronto’s defense is allowing the second fewest points in the league with the second best defensive rating in basketball (104.9) Despite these lofty defensive numbers, the Sixers have played the Raptors very well this season. If they can get a solid performance out of Embiid, it should be enough to top Toronto. Sixers win.
Record Prediction: 6-1
Game 8: Houston Rockets
The Rockets are a tough draw to end seeding, especially for the Sixers. The Rockets super small lineup could be tricky for the Sixers to defend. The Sixers have the size and speed to run and defend Houston, but it’ll be tough to compete with their spacing and shooting.
Oh and then there’s James Harden and Russell Westbrook. In their career against the Sixers, Harden averages 28.7 points per game, while Westbrook averages 23 points, nine rebounds, and 9.8 assist. It’ll suck to see the Sixers lose before the playoffs, but we’ll say they’re just resting their starters in anticipation of the playoffs. Sixers lose, but with purpose.
Record Prediction: 6-2
