The Sixers just can’t catch a break. After losing to the Phoenix Suns (granted without their starters) the team suffered a stunning collapse against the Toronto Raptors.
Additionally, Joel Embiid left the game halfway through with a wrist injury after Marc Gasol clubbed him on a no-call. Thankfully, the Xrays were negative and his absence seems to have been a precaution.
It was a close game for the most part but the Sixers actually dominated early before a disastrous second quarter. No, the game didn’t matter and by the fourth quarter the starters were out, but the way the team lost its lead is disconcerting.
Moving on from the loss itself, it’s important to take a look at what we learned from the effort.
Neto May Have “Earned” Playoff Minutes
Like it or not, Brett Brown trusts Raul Neto. What makes that more dangerous is the way Neto has been performing as of late.
Neto has scored 39 points over his last two games while shooting 38.5% from deep. If Neto continues to play like this Brown’s confidence in him will only increase.
The lack of Ben Simmons also adds to the concern that Brown will give Neto minutes. When Alec Burks returns he will hopefully keep this from happening, but with the injuries to the team, this concern will never fully go away.
Playoff Mike impresses Sixers
Mike Scott is getting hot at the right time. With the injury to Ben Simmons, the Sixers will have to rely heavily on Scott if they are to have a chance in the playoffs.
Thankfully, the eight-year vet as played some of his best basketball as of late, something he is looking to carry into the Playoffs.
Scott scored 12 points on 2/3 shooting and did all the Sixers will need of him in his 22 minutes.
Furkan UnKorked
Furkan Korkmaz went off against the Raps, scoring an impressive 21 points and hitting five threes in the process. The poise he showed against one of the fiercest defenses in the NBA was nothing short of impressive.
The Sixers likely won’t ask him to play heavy minutes (at least that’s the hopeful case) but they need him to be ready if called upon. From the way he looked tonight, he will be.
His role will likely only be when the Sixers need an extra offensive boost as a 9th/10th man, but it’s an important role non-the-less.
The Sixers Final Seeding Game
It’s time already. The Sixers have played all but one of their seeding games and their final match-up is against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets will be without Russell Westbrook and maybe even James Harden.
It will once again be an opportunity for the Sixers to prep their bench for the playoffs and hopefully, they’re up to the task.
The game will take place Friday 8/14 with a 9:00 PM EST tip-off. You can watch on ESPN or NBC Sports Philadelphia. If you prefer to listen you can as always at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
Mandatory Credit – © Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
