The Sixers are back at it against a red hot 6-0 Phoenix Suns team. The team is a bit shorthanded and will, unfortunately, be without a laundry list of contributors:
Facing the only undefeated bubble team is difficult enough. Doing it without three of you starters (and two more are questionable) seems impossible but It’s up to Brett Brown to lead his team through this game.
Match-up to Watch
Matisse Thybulle versus Devin Booker
Thybulle certainly isn’t going to go shot for shot with Booker but the Sixers will have to rely on Thybulle to defend Booker (or try). Thybulle struggled against Damian Lillard early against Portland but should be looking for redemption this time out.
Inside the bubble, Devin Booker is averaging over 30 points per game and dropped 40 against the Sixers in their last match-up.
It won’t be easy and Thybulle won’t hold Booker below 10 or anything but he will have to do his best to slow him down.
Thybulle has a chance to show off his defensive prowess in this match-up. Even if he struggles, it will be a good learning experience for the rookie.
Players to Watch
76ers – Shake Milton
Shake Milton will need to play his best basketball since March 1st if the team is going to have a chance. The young Point Guard will have the green light all game as there are few other options to turn to.
You can expect Alec Burks to get his and Furkan Korkmaz will contribute to the shot count but Milton will have the best chance to take over.
This could be a coming of age game for Milton. We’ve seen strong performances before that are growing the Legend of Shake Milton. Now, he has the chance to establish some consistency that can prepare him not only for the playoffs but for seasons to come.
Suns – Devin Booker
To repeat, Devin Booker is averaging over 30 points per game and dropped 40 the last time he played Philly. As if the NBA didn’t know, Booker can score, and now, He’s found a way to turn that scoring into wins.
Booker has proved himself to be a true leader and is inching closer and closer to his first playoff appearance. The literal “Shooting Guard” is one of three players in the NBA who define “in the gym range (along with Curry & Lillard).
Booker is the reason to watch the Suns and he will be a handful and a half for the Sixers.
Sixers/Suns Tip-Off
We have an earlier game tonight with the tip-off at 4:30 PM EST. You can catch the game at NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live as always at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
The point of this game is to watch the development of the bench and youngins, remember that.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
