Thursday night, the NBA released the schedule for the Sixers’ remaining eight games.
By a quick glance that the schedule, the Sixers have a very good chance to move up from their current sixth seed in the standings. Only four of their eight matchups would have made the playoffs in a “normal” season. Two of those four “playoff” teams were in the sixth seed or lower, as well.
The Sixers have not been anything overly special with only one day rest. On the season, they were 21-18 with a day separating games. They also have one back-to-back, with the Raptors falling on the tail end of that. Luckily, Philly is 8-2 with no rest, allowing them positive momentum heading into that crucial Toronto matchup.
As everyone already knows, the games are being held at a neutral site. For a team like Philly, who were 29-2 at Wells Fargo Center, this could be detrimental. For the sake of positivity, it’s important to remember that every team is in the same situation, taking away the “home” and “away” concept (except for the Magic).
Playing against Markelle Fultz and the Orlando Magic is always a trap game. However, the Sixers will need to put their typical performance aside. With games against the Kings, Wizards, and Suns (and Dario), the Sixers will need to win all of those games. Every game counts, and they should steal two games from the “top eight” teams as well.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
