As they near the merciful end of the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers made a stop in OKC to face the Thunder. The Sixers would be without the majority of their roster, as has been the case most of the season, while the Thunder would be noticeably without some of their top-tier talent, including MVP hopeful Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams, defensive star Lu Dort, starting center Isaiah Hartenstien, and occasional starter, Cason Wallace, among others.
Despite both teams being incredibly shorthanded, the Thunder demonstrated rather early just how dominant their backups were over this Sixers team. Beginning the game on a 10-0 run and ending the game up 33, it was a dominant night for OKC, despite the occasional Sixers run.
Quentin Grimes was once again the star for the Sixers, finishing the night with 28 points, five assists, and three steals. Through 18 games with the Sixers, Grimes has averaged 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 50.7% from the field and 39.5% from three.
Outside of Grimes, Chuma Okeke had an impressive night for the Sixers, scoring 14 points along with 15 rebounds, securing a double-double in the first half against OKC. Okeke, who is on his second 10-day contract with the Sixers, is looking to make any positive impressions in hopes of landing a deal with any NBA team next season.
The rest of the bench was not as impressive, finishing the game with just six shots made on 38 attempts.
One final shout-out to Justin Edwards, who finished the evening with a solid 19 points.
Sixers standings update
The Nets and the Raptors both had the night off, so the Sixers’ increase in their reverse standings is limited to just a half-game. At 23-46 on the season, the Sixers have a winning percentage of just .333.
One interesting game is the New Orleans Pelicans’ defeat of the Minnesota Timberwolves by a final score of 119-115. New Orleans is still four and a half games above Philadelphia, and the odds of the Sixers passing the Pelicans in the reverse standings.
The odds of overcoming the Pelicans for the fourth spot may not be overwhelming, but they’re not exactly zero either.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will enjoy a day off tomorrow as they travel to San Antonio for a Friday night faceoff against the Spurs. Coming off of a victory against the New York Knicks, the Spurs will likely be energized and ready to go despite their own medical concerns.
The Spurs will be without Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, who are out for the rest of the season. In their place, future Hall of Fame guard Chris Paul, stud rookie Stephon Castle, and rising wing Devin Vassell will lead the charge against the Sixers.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m., and you can catch the game live on NBC Sports Philadelphia or, as always, listen live at 97.5 FM, The Fanatic.
