The Sixers finished the regular season on a high note shooting the lights out against the Houston Rockets. While the game did not affect their playoff position, it was a great opportunity to work out some issues before the playoffs.
What We Learned
How Serious is GR3’s Injury?
Glenn Robinson III missed Friday night’s game due to a lingering hip issue. Robinson has only been able to play on two seeding games due to this injury and to see him out again is concerning, to say the least.
Robinson will be heavily relied on as a member of the bench but can only contribute if he can make it on the court.
With a versatile skill set, Robinson can cover a myriad of sins for the Sixers but his health is his biggest question mark currently.
An adept shooter, ball-handler, and athletic defender, Robinson will be key to a deep postseason for the Sixers. Thankfully, other players are stepping up in his absence.
The Sixers Just Might Have a Bench
The Sixers saw an offensive explosion tonight that was not led by one player. The entire team went off and shoot the ball better than they have all season.
From Mike Scott to Furkan Korkmaz, even Raul Neto were wild successes tonight. The bench scored a grand total of 76 points tonight showing off their offensive prowess.
This is not a realistic outcome every night but it is an encouraging sign that the bench may not be as weak as many thought. The bench was shooting threes, making free-throws, even playing decent defense. If they can build off this performance, the Sixers just might make some noise.
The bench was very exciting as a whole but one player stood out yet again.
And Alec Burks Will Lead Them
The slashing guard has played his way into the heart of 76ers fans. Scoring 16 points while adding five rebounds and five assists, Burks was phenomenal tonight.
Adding in his three-point shooting (4/6 from deep), Burks showed why he should be the Sixers’ go-to option off the bench. Burks can play that Lou Williams role blending between the bench and starters.
Though no one can replace Ben Simmons, Alec Burks will do all he can to fill in the cracks.
Burks will be a key player for the Sixers in the playoffs and if they’re wise, the Sixers will look for any way to bring him back next season.
Up Next… Sixers/Boston
The playoffs are finally beginning and the Sixers now have a tall task ahead of them.
Kemba Walker and the Boston Celtics will be the Sixers’ first-round opponent and the Sixers will have to bring their A-game to even have a chance.
Game 1 is Monday, August 17th with a 6:30 PM EST tip-off. The game will be shown on ESPN and if you can’t watch, you can always listen live at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
Ben Simmons or not, the pressure is on for the Sixers this postseason. It’s finally time to see how they react.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
