The Philadelphia 76ers return from a four game trip to face the Dallas Mavericks and the player that initiated The Process: Nerlens Noel. A fan favorite from day one, Noel was traded to the Mavericks this past trade deadline for Andrew Bogut (who was immediately waived) and Justin Anderson.
On Thursday, Noel showed his love/appreciation for the Sixers fans by treating them to some cheesesteaks. Very classy move on his part. Sixers fans have loved him, even during this up and down season that saw him benched and playing minutes that seemed too low for his talent.
While he clearly expressed his frustration, he never once really bashed the team or city. And, during this season of up and downs, Sixers fans clearly backed him up (and seemed to also put Jahlil Okafor down). So, Sixers nation was reeling when the Okafor trade rumors (and supposed done deals) turned into Noel being traded in what seems to be a poor return.
The Mavericks have played winning basketball when Noel has played, which is no surprise. They played their 2nd game on their own four game road trip against the Washington Wizards, and won 112-107. Noel finished with 12 points and 3 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Sixers, as mentioned before, return from a four game road trip. They lost to the Golden State Warriors 104-106 after blowing a 16 point lead n the 3rd quarter. How unfortunate. Dario Saric did his thing, however. He had 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Starters:
Sixers:
PG TJ McConnell
SG: Gerald Henderson
SF: Robert Covington
PF: Dario Saric
C: Jahlil Okafor
Mavericks:
PG: Yogi Farrell
SG: Seth Curry
SF: Dorian Finney-Smith
PF: Harrison Barnes
C: Dirk Nowitzki
Game Info:
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
When: 7PM ET
Why: Nerlens Noel is BACK, BABY!
Watch It: CSN Philly
Hear It: 97.5 The Fanatic
