Issues are about to get actual for the 76ers. What if Paul Georges And Joel Embiid Do not come again within the subsequent few days, issues may go mistaken.
After struggling in opposition to the worst groups within the league, the Sixers (1-4) embark on what could possibly be an apocalyptic street journey in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers.
At 5-1, the Suns are tied with the Golden State Warriors for the second-best file within the Western Convention. After going through Phoenix on Monday, the Sixers will journey to Los Angeles to face the Clippers in problem (2-4) on Wednesday. They’ll then keep in Southern California to face the Lakers, fourth within the convention (4-2), on Friday.
» LEARN MORE: Joel Embiid punches and shoves Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes throughout locker room altercation
It was anticipated that perennial All-Stars Embiid (coping with left knee harm) and George (left knee bone bruise) may make their season debuts in some unspecified time in the future throughout his journey. Nevertheless, the NBA is investigating an incident involving Embiid within the Sixers’ locker room following Saturday’s 124-107 dwelling loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 7-foot-2, 280-pound heart confronted and shoved Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after he objected to one among his current columns.
Even when Embiid is wholesome, one has to surprise if his availability will rely upon the outcomes of the investigation. To date, the Sixers have proven that they aren’t very aggressive with out All-Star heart and George.
Veteran chief Kyle Lowry believes the group will discover its rhythm and develop into extra linked as gamers proceed to learn to play with one another.
“Being on the identical web page on the sphere and likewise making an attempt to be in the identical route mentally,” Lowry mentioned. “I believe we’ve got a really proficient group. However we should proceed to enhance. It is not the beginning all of us anticipated and need, however we’re a comparatively new group. We should proceed to evangelise persistence in every thing and we’ll enhance.
The Sixers confirmed some enchancment Saturday, making a season-high 19 three-pointers and tying their season-best mark with 5 blocked photographs.
Tyrese Maxey scored 23 factors to increase his 20-game level streak relationship again to April 7 of final season to eight. That is the fifth-longest energetic streak within the league.
However the Sixers had been dominated in most classes. On prime of that, Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin have struggled.
Drummond had 4 factors on 1-of-7 taking pictures, with 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers. Martin had 9 factors on 1-of-7 taking pictures whereas being minus-26 in 27 minutes, 42 seconds.
» LEARN MORE: The Sixers had been no match for the larger and extra proficient Memphis Grizzlies within the 124-107 loss.
‘Offense is a serious drawback,’ coach Nick Nurse mentioned. “Once we shoot one and a half or two [men]we’ve got to maneuver [the ball] to the subsequent man significantly better. I believe the fellows try to play, perhaps somewhat an excessive amount of.
“Once more, I by no means see that as a result of they’re egocentric in making an attempt to make it occur. I believe they’re making an attempt to make a recreation to assist. However typically the sport is about getting out of it, making it transfer and shifting on to the subsequent motion.
The Sixers additionally struggled on fast four-on-two and three-on-two counterattacks. As a substitute of capitalizing on their benefit, the Sixers dedicated turnovers and missed layups. And the missed photographs led to giving up transition buckets on the opposite finish.
“We’re going to overlook photographs,” Lowry mentioned. “However we can not decrease our heads. We will not let our offense management our protection and the habits we attempt to instill.
