For a very long time this season, this evening’s game against the Cleveland Cavilers looked like the most appealing Eastern Conference match up all season for Philadelphia. And for a while, it was, by far, the most expensive ticket on the primary and secondary markets.
When the schedule came out and tickets were on sale, tonight’s game opened at $57 on the re-sale value, as many fans and ticket owners anticipated a high demand in wanting to see the “New Big 3” of Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and of course, LeBron “King” James—a player many want to see just himself. It seemed to have little risk after all, as James averages playing around 78 games per season. Essentially, there was a 5% chance he would not play.
In the weeks leading up to it, the game was heavily advertised on local television and radio stations, billboards, website banners, etc. and it really was shaping up to be the lone highlight in the Sixers’ January calendar (you can see the Sixers play the East-leading Hawks for $8).
That all changed when last week it was announced that James would be taking a few weeks off to heal his knee and back strains. And following that news, tickets plummeted.
Those tickets that fans paid at least $50 online (at least $70 if bought through the Sixers with their tiered ticketing), have shattered in value. It really is a true indictment on the enjoyment and monetary value that comes with watching “Your Team, Your Town, Your 76ers”. The reality of the tank leaves fans now eating tens of dollars away (or more, based on quantity of tickets initially purchased). A quick glance on stubhub.com shows that tickets can be had for $15 at publish time at 3 p.m. So fans would eat a net loss of $35 to AVOID watching the Sixers.
There will of course be a few fans that will decide to go anyway and see a diminished product. So if the game goes similar to the last two against elite teams (Golden State on Tuesday and the Clippers on Saturday), you may see some upset and frustrated fans on television. Could you blame them?
Game Notes:
- Philadelphia has lost 14 in a row at the Wells Fargo Center to open the season.
- Kevin Love will be the only one of the “Big Three” playing, and he’s been the least productive this season. Thus far, he’s seen a significant drop in his averages from last season with Minnesota. On the year, he averages 17.5 and 10 points and boards a game, respectively.
- The Sixers have allowed 122 points per game over their last three contests.
- Cleveland has lost three of the four games missed by James, and overall have lost five of their past seven.
Injuries:
As noted, James and Irving will not play. A third starter, Anderson Varejao will also not play as a torn Achilles has ended his season. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid (foot) and Jason Richardson (knee/foot) are out indefinitely. Michael Carter-Williams, who missed Saturday’s game with an injured shoulder, is expected to play. Hollis Thompson has been dealing with an upper respiratory infection and is likely out for an eighth straight game tonight.
Projected Lineups:
Cleveland:
PG- A.J. Price
SG- Matthew Dellavedova
SF- Mike Miller
PF- Kevin Love
C- Tristan Thompson
Philadelphia:
PG- Michael Carter-Williams
SG- K.J. McDaniels
SF- Robert Covington
PF- Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
C- Nerlens Noel
Prediction: The Sixers keep close early, but Cleveland pulls away in the third and fourth quarters for a 12-point victory.
