Let the win streak continue
Coming off a historic win where Ben Simmons hit his very first regular-season three-pointer, the Sixers look to continue their win streak against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since 1997. The frustration is sure to be mounting and the organization should be nearing the point of becoming sellers before the trade deadline. Headliners DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are trying their best to right the ship, but in a very deep Western Conference, this may not be possible.
Keys to the game
Play by your rules
San Antonio is a mix between very young players and those who are closer to the twilight of their careers. Brett Brown and the team should be able to take advantage of this if they play their brand of basketball. The Sixers love to run in transition and can outrun the older Spurs while forcing the young Spurs into mistakes in transition.
The Sixers can also take advantage of the Spurs lacking a true Center and have Embiid bully the defense in the post. Even if the Spurs put LaMarcus on him, who is there best Center though he is a Power Forward, the edge clearly goes to Embiid.
Slow down the stars
Obviously the Spurs offense starts with their two stars, stars who have had success against the Sixers before. DeRozen and Aldridge both average over 19 points per game against the Sixers for their careers.
The key is simple, slow down the stars and you’ll slow down the offense. Now the Spurs do have a few players who can get hot and burn you like Patty Mills and Rudy Gay, but the focus should remain on the stars. Make the leftovers beat you.
How to watch
Tonight’s game will be nationally televised on ESPN with the tipoff at 8:15 PM EST. You can also listen live on 97.5 FM the fanatic if you want to hear the game called by the incredible Tom McGinnis.
Against underperforming teams like San Antonio, the Sixers must win to maximize their playoff position.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
