Something that has become clear in the last two games—losses by a combined margin of 33—that there is very little for Philadelphia to accomplish this season. There are three games left, but these may three of the most forgettable games the franchise has played this century.
The losing streak is now irrelevant. Because they snapped their 26-gamer, if they finish the season losing six in a row, it really means nothing. They probably have enough tape from the season out there for other general managers and executives to consider. Guys like James Anderson, Hollis Thompson and Tony Wroten have shown what they can do and it is doubtful that these last few games will change anyone’s opinions.
You may say they are for pride, but seriously I think the Sixers have proven to everyone they have pride and did not quit when times get extremely hard. If they did not have pride, the losing streak would not have ended and so they do not have much more to prove to anyone.
That being the case, it is time to look ahead to next season. That’s what the players are doing, at least. Nerlens Noel has seemingly given up on the prospect that he could make it back this season. After the game last night, it was Thaddeus Young pondering the future of not just the team but him, personally. He admits it’s something he thinks about, despite the season not being over yet.
"Yeah, all the time," Young said, via Comcast SportsNet. "One thing I've always said: Just like upstairs, they put their GM hats on. I put mine on also. It's not just about basketball. It's about me as a player. This is a business, and it's about doing what's best for my family. It may be here, or it may not be here."
Game Notes:
- The Bobcats have clinched a playoff berth, but are still vying for seeding. One would think they’d prefer to play Indiana over Miami, the way the Pacers have been sliding, so there is significance in where exactly they finish.
- Last week, Charlotte defeated the Sixers by 30 points at the Wells Fargo Center. They hurt them from deep, hitting over 50% of their shots from three.
- In their last 17 games, the Sixers have only won once, “4-4-14” against the Celtics.
- For the Sixers to have any type of chance, James Anderson must score a point, something he failed to do last week against the Bobcats. Philadelphia can’t afford to have one of their better players not contribute at all.
Injuries: Kemba Walker did not play last night with a groin injury, and is doubtful for tonight. With the playoff berth clinched and the Sixers not being much of a threat, I’d expect Charlotte to take it easy with their point guard. Nerlens Noel and former Bobcat Jason Richardson will not play, as they recover from torn ACLs.
Starting Lineups:
Sixers Lineup:
PG Michael Carter-Williams
SG James Anderson
SF Hollis Thompson
PF Thaddeus Young
C Henry Sims
Bobcats Lineup:
PG Luke Ridnour
SG Gerald Henderson
SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF Josh McRoberts
C Al Jefferson
Prediction: No Walker keeps this close, as the Celtics were able to beat them last night. However, the Bobcats at home manage to escape past the Sixers.
