On Monday night, the Sixers found themselves in a must-lose situation against the New Orleans Pelicans. As Philadelphia continues to compete with the likes of Brooklyn and Toronto in the reverse standings, New Orleans cannot be overlooked as competition. Coming into the night, they sit with the fourth pick prelottery, 4.5 games ahead of the Sixers.
Without Quentin Grimes and the myriad of other Sixers who continue to miss time, Philadelphia was clearly overmatched more often than not throughout the night. There were a few runs throughout the night, but once again, an inability to defend both the paint and the perimeter was the Sixers’ undoing in this game, resulting in a 99-113 loss.
Sixers standings update
The Sixers, Nets, Raptors, and, of course, Pelicans all played tonight. The Sixers’ loss and the obviously related Pelican’s win are certainly a positive for Philadelphia’s odds. Philly continues to hold onto a tie for the fifth spot in the reverse standings while moving just 3.5 games back of the Pelicans for the fourth spot.
It’s important to note that Philadelphia lost both games against New Orleans this season, meaning they hold the tiebreaker automatically.
Onto Toronto and Brooklyn. The Raptors were down in D.C., facing off against the Wizards, whom they overcame thanks to the efforts of Immanuel Quickly and Jakob Poeltl, who shockingly were not OUT due to rest for what feels like the first game in months. Toronto’s victory puts them two games up over the Sixers and the Brooklyn Nets, who kept their tank alive over the Dallas Mavericks.
It’s only right for Sixers fans that Anthony Davis‘s return comes as the Mavericks face the Brooklyn Nets. Following their loss, the Sixers remain tied with Philadelphia not only for the fifth pick but also 3.5 games back of the Pelicans.
It’s important to note that the Nets and Pelicans have one more matchup this season on April 8 and that the Nets won the initial series game, giving the edge in a tie to the Pelicans for now.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers are finally heading home with a matchup against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, March 26. As mentioned, the Wizards fell to the Raptors on Monday night, helping the Sixers a bit, but are now in a position to help them out in a much grander way.
Like the Sixers, the Wizards have lost five straight but have looked far more competitive since adding veterans Kris Middleton and Marcus Smart at the deadline.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday night, and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live, as always, at 97.5 FM., the Fanatic.
