Sixers Pregame #30: Sixers-Pacers Pregame Outline
Game #30: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa
Line: PHI -3.5
Watch: ESPN
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
When the Sixers (19-10) last met the Indiana Pacers (18-10) on November 7th, they were coming off the heels of a disappointing 122-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. On that night in November, the Sixers bounced back with a hard fought 100-94 win, withstanding a 36 point outburst from Pacers star Victor Oladipo. Now, only a little over a month later, the Sixers are again coming off a disappointing 127-124 loss to a Nets team they should have easily beaten.
In their last contest, the Sixers failed to attack the paint and draw fouls. They were heavily outshot from the free throw line 43 to 16. When you have players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons that is unacceptable. Both Joel and Ben thrive on attacking the lane and drawing fouls from disgruntled opponents that can’t stop their pure force. Free throw stats do not show you how the game was officiated, but rather the aggressiveness of a teams game plan. The Nets strategy worked to perfection going to the foul line and creating free points, while converting 86% of them.
If the Sixers want to get back on track tonight without Jimmy Butler (Groin), they will need to take advantage of their strengths. Joel Embiid has struggled for a few games, but he broke back out with a 33-17-6 effort the other night. PLAY THROUGH JO, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Whatever success this team finds will be because of the big man. A third of the way through this season, Joel has planted himself in the center of MVP consideration and he deserves it. The Sixers need to plant Joel in the post and let him go to work. When Joel is forced to play around the perimeter, he becomes frustrated and isn’t used effectively.
All season long the Sixers have struggled to cover guards. We have now seen another player, post a total of 25 or more points with Spencer Dinwiddie’s 39 the other night. Already this season they have given up 25 to Dinwiddie, Walker, Russell, Kennard, Hood, Holiday, Oladpio and many more. With a great portion of NBA offense generated from beyond the arc, perimeter defense needs to be improved upon for this Sixers team to make a deep run. Tonight, they again face one of the best guards in the league, Victor Oladipo. Oladipo normally plays the Sixers well and can get hot in an instant.
Joel and Ben Simmons need to bring their best effort every moment Jimmy Butler is not available. Already playing a man down is tough, but with Butler out of the lineup, more responsibility falls on the two young stars shoulders. This is the best opportunity for them to grow and reel off wins without Jimmy. Butler has made a huge impact on the team since being acquired, and they certainly miss him when he’s out. I expect the Sixers to win this game, but The Process and Fresh Prince need to show out.
Photo credit- Use Today
