New year, new Sixers? Well, not so much if their first impressions are any indication. After a few nights off, the team went into Phoenix and was blown out to commence their 2014 season.
Unfortunately, it does not get much easier. Tonight, they migrate back to California, where they were Tuesday night, and get to play the “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers.
The Sixers have a set of goals, going into each game, that different from many NBA teams. Philadelphia obviously is not one of the more talented teams in the league, and so they aim to simply hang close, put up a close battle, and leave teams impressed by how hard they play.
To say the least, that did not happen in the Sixers’ last trip to the Staples Center to play the Clippers. In fact, it was one of the worst performances by a team in NBA history. For an idea of how ugly it got, the score was 46-15 after the first quarter. The Sixers did not cut into the lead from there at all, somehow falling behind even further than 31 points, and went on to lose 123-78.
The Sixers are not much better of a team than they were back then, and Los Angeles may be a bit better. One of Philadelphia’s starters from that winter evening, Spencer Hawes, is actually now on the Clips and buried in their rotation on the bench.
It would be great if Philadelphia could steal a win from a championship contender on the road. Frankly, it’s more likely the Sixers struggle to come within 30 and so the goal should be putting forth an effort that does not leave the rest of the NBA mocking them.
What is interesting, and perhaps a forecast of tonight, is that on that same West Coast trip last year that included the 123-78 loss, they also played the Warriors and lost by over 40. On Tuesday, they lost to the Warriors and lost by 40 once again, so using the elite California teams as a barometer, the Sixers do not have much of a chance tonight.
Game Notes:
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The Clippers are second in the NBA in three-point percentage, making 38% from three.
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Looking for a 76ers advantage? They average one more rebound per game than the Clippers, 41.9-40.9.
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Covering J.J. Reddick will be imperative. The sharp-shooter is shooting 50% from three over his last seven games.
Injuries:
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Hollis Thompson is out with an upper respiratory infection. Joel Embiid (foot) and Jason Richardson (foot/knee) are once again out.
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The Clippers enter this game healthy.
Projected Lineups:
Philadelphia:
PG- Michael Carter-Williams
SG- K.J. McDaniels
SF- Robert Covington
PF- Nerlens Noel
C- Henry Sims
Los Angeles:
PG- Chris Paul
SG- J.J. Reddick
SF- Matt Barnes
PF- Blake Griffin
C- DeAndre Jordan
Prediction: The Clippers pull away in the second quarter and win this won easily, resting starters in the fourth.
