Without both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the Sixers managed to defeat the Kings in convincing fashion thanks to Tobias Harris.
It wasn’t thought to be a difficult matchup for the Sixers as the Sacramento Kings boasted a mediocre 17-24 record heading into tonight’s game. What made the game worrisome before the tip is that the team would be without both of its superstars. Joel Embiid was still out with a bone bruise while Ben Simmons missed the game with a sore left knee. The team didn’t approach the game that way though.
There shouldn’t be too much concern about Simmons’ injury at it seems like an effort for load management against a team who they frankly didn’t need him to beat. Simmons will likely play tomorrow against the New York Knicks.
Sixers of the Game – Tobias Harris/Shake Milton
Tobias Harris and Shake Milton are, without a doubt, the Sixers of the game. While Danny Green and Matisse Thybulle were great in their own right, it was Harris and Milton who dominated the game.
Harris finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Shake Milton went off for 28 points, his highest mark since January 16th.
It was great to see this game from Milton, who has been struggling for most of the season. While he needs to show more consistency, this game could be a great building block for him going forward and could certainly instill confidence in the young guard.
Tobias Harris, meanwhile, once again showed that he is worth his contract. The under-appreciated forward has long been the butt of many jokes referring to him as the worst contract in the NBA, but he’s shown through multiple games now that he is a legitimate star. Some would even say, an All-Star.
The fact that Harris doesn’t play every game like this is a representation of his unselfishness, if anything. Philadelphia should be excited to have Harris for not only this season but going forward. Tobias Harris is hungry, and he’s coming for blood; the NBA should be on notice.
No Rest For The Weary
The Sixers are already back at it again tomorrow night in what will be their third back-to-back since the All-Star break. They’ll be meeting up with Julius Randle and the New York Knicks once again in a divisional battle.
Tip-off is at 8:00 PM EST, and you can watch it on NBC Sports Philadelphia or NBA League Pass. You can also list live as always at 97.5 FM The Fanatic.
The Knicks will be getting back Mitchell Robinson while the Sixers will be without at least Joel Embiid and Seth Curry yet again. Tomorrow’s game is certainly not a gimme, but it’s absolutely a must-watch.
