Game #40: Sixers look to win without Butler again.
The Sixers come home after a tough 5 game road trip over the holidays. After a successful trip going 3-2 against some tough teams (minus Phoenix) , the Sixers look to continue their home success against the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks had a game last night in Boston, which did not end in a win, so look for their legs to give out come the second half.
ClutchPoints
Without further a do, lets get into the rumor that has surrounded this team for the last 48 hours. It was reported by Woj that Jimmy Butler has aggressively challenged his role in the 76ers offense. A report also surfaced that Butler was “disrespectful” in conversation with Brett Brown at a practice last week. The mainstream media is looking for any story that will help grow their portfolio and this is a perfect example. It will take time to work Butler into this Sixers offense and give it some time for Brown and Butler to find their own chemistry together as coach and player.
Tonight, Jimmy Butler and Wilson Chandler are both out with upper respiratory infections. Luckily for the Sixers, the team is 16-3 at the Wells Fargo Center and the Mavericks are a whopping 3-17 on the road. The odds are in the Sixers favor even without the presence of Jimmy Buckets.
USA Today
A player to watch is Jonah Bolden. He was limited in minutes against the Suns due to foul trouble, but look for him to shine tonight. He is slowly going to put himself into the lineup for good if he keeps up his defensive IQ. Also, the Sixers are looking to move their way up the eastern conference standings as they play 7 teams under .500 in a row.
Also, this could be the last game for Dirk Nowitzki in the city of Philadelphia. I hope that we give him a standing ovation as he checks in to tonights ball game. He is a legend and soon to be a hall of famer.
