Sixers
Sixers return home to face Ish Smith, Pistons
By Dante Nelson, Sports Talk Philly Staff Writer
The Philadelphia 76ers return to the Wells Fargo Center riding a four game losing streak, dropping three straight on the road. They look rebound this evening against the Detroit Pistons. The hope is that the Sixers literally don't hand the ball and game over this time around.
The Pistons just beat the Atlanta Hawks for their first preseason win. They were led by former Sixers mid-season spark, Ish Smith as he had 18 points and eught assists. Smith has led the team in assists so far this preseason. Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and Marcus Morris, players who are poised for big roles on the team, did not play. Jackson is out for a couple of months with an injured knee. Smith, who was meant to be a solid backup, is expected to carry the starter role. Sixers fans know just how capable he is.
The Sixers are on this losing streak and have been blown out the past couple of games. In a rematch against the Wizards, they never looked like they were seriously in the game. However, Joel Embiid shined in what was probably his best preseason game so far. With his minutes restriction loosened a bit, he finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds in 14 minutes. From a scoring point of view, Jerami Grant led the way with 14 points. Ultimately, the Sixers lost that game because of turnovers. 22 turnovers and the Wizards stole the ball 12 times. Tonight, Brett Brown said there's a good chance the team tries starting Sergio Rodriguez and having T.J. McConnell off the bench.
Projected Starters
Pistons:
PG – Ish Smith
SG – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF – Tobias Harris
PF - Aron Baynes
C – Andre Drummond
Injuries: Reggie Jackson (out)
Sixers:
PG - Sergio Rodriguez
SG – Gerald Henderson
SF – Robert Covington
PF – Dario Saric
C – Joel Embiid
Injuries: Ben Simmons (out), Jahlil Okafor (out), Jerryd Bayless (out), Nerlens Noel (out)
Broadcast Information:
Tip-off: 7pm.
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
TV: TCN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic