Still looking for that first W.
Preview: https://t.co/QJ1uudKS8S pic.twitter.com/3odFmRVuaP
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) November 7, 2015
After playing two of the last three games against LeBron James and the reigning East champs, and playoff teams in 4 of their first 5 games, the Sixers get perhaps their most even opponent tonight in the Orlando Magic. With both teams playing on a back-to-back, the Sixers will host the 2-4 Magic.
The Sixers will look to carry some of the momentum created by their front court in last night’s 108-102 loss in Cleveland. Nerlens Noel stuffed the stat sheet with a line of 18 points, 12 rebounds 5 steals and 2 blocks. Okafor had 18 points, which was actually a tick below his season average of 20.
It will be a nice benchmark matchup for Philadelphia, as they go up against a team that has been rebuilding for nearly as long as they have, just a year longer. It seems like the Magic have the pieces to be poised enough to make a step forward. However, being unpolished and unsettled in many ways pits the two squads together as a pretty competitive match up.
Game Notes:
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In addition to Noel and Okafor, Isaiah Canaan and Nik Stauskas are averaging double figures in scoring.
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Orlando has won 7 of the last 9 meetings.
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Okafor leads all rookies in scoring at 19.8 points per game.
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Okafor, Noel and the Sixers should look to follow through on the offensive glass for any potential second-chance points. Orlando allows an NBA-high 14.8 rebounds per game.
Injuries:
Orlando: Nik Vucevic (knee bruise) is questionable
Sixers: Robert Covington (knee) is out
Projected Lineups:
Orlando:
PG- Elfrid Payton
SG- Victor Oladipo
SF- Tobias Harris
PF- Evan Fournier
C- Nik Vucevic
Philadelphia:
PG- T.J. McConnell
SG- Nik Stauskas
SF- JaKarr Sampson
PF- Nerlens Noel
C- Jahlil Okafor
Prediction: Sixers grab their first win of the season with a big 4th quarter. 93-89
