Sixers – Trail Blazers Preview
Game #37: Philadelphia 76ers @ Portland Trail Blazers
Location: Portland, Oregon; Moda Center
Line: Portland -1.5
Watch: NBCSports Philadelphia
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
While everyone awaits the fate of the Philadelphia Eagles playoff hopes, lets turn our attention to the Sixers, coming off a 114-97 win to the Utah Jazz. The Sixers (23-13) return to action on their west coast road trip, to face a pesky Portland Trail Blazers team. The Trail Blazers, like the Sixers, are a completely different team at home boasting a 13-6 record, compared to 7-10 on the road. The Blazers can thank their guard-tandem of Damien Lillard and C.J. McCollum for having a winning record this season.
Lillard is coming into the game with an outstanding 27.1 PPG and continues to be one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. Seventh in the league in scoring, I feel like Lillard doesn’t get the recognition other star guards get like Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Before being selected to the All-Star game last season, Lillard was snubbed in the previous two, despite averaging 25.1 and 21 PPG in those seasons respectively.
The Sixers have struggled mightily this season against opposing guards. While Jimmy Butler has helped on the defensive side of the floor, they have still been prone to giving up big nights. For them to secure back to back wins, they will need to prioritize shutting down Lillard and McCollum. If you take away their best playmakers, Portland will have to rely on Just Nurkic and a very thin bench. No player on Portland’s bench averages more than 8 PPG.
Joel Embiid has been frustrated over the last few weeks over his usage and I agree. Joel needs to be planted in the post and allowed to do what he does best, bully ball. Coach Brown uses Joel to much around the perimeter, which leads to an exhausted big man. Even though he has the ability to pull from beyond the arc, that is not Joel’s strong suit. The Sixers need to use him in their most effective way possible to make a deep run. With that being said, the bench needs to do a better job of securing leads when called upon. Too many times this season, Brett has to reinsert Jo too early, because the bench can’t hold the lead. This needs to change immediately, because it is taking a toll on Joel. Winners of 3 of their last 4 the Sixers look to build some more momentum.
Photo Credit- Liberty Ballers
