<div align="center"> <font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers (16-16)</font> at <font color="Purple">Los Angeles Lakers (15-16) </font> Place: Friday, 10:30pm at Lakers TV: NBALP, CSN <font size=""1"">Facing Kobe Bryant is difficult enough as it is. Facing Bryant when he has a chip on his shoulder is an unenviable task for the Philadelphia 76ers.Bryant returns from a two-game suspension Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers hope to snap a five-game losing streak. The league's second-leading scorer, Bryant was suspended after a vicious elbow to the throat of Memphis forward Mike Miller last week. Without their superstar, the Lakers dropped a pair of games to the Utah Jazz, including Tuesday's 90-80 loss. Lamar Odom elevated his play with 25 points and eight rebounds but no other Laker scored in double figures. Philadelphia hopes to end its season-high seven-game road trip on a high note after losing four of the first six games on the journey. The league's leading scorer, Allen Iverson shot just 7-of-23 from the floor for a season-low 16 points in a 105-85 loss to Phoenix on Wednesday. Samuel Dalembert scored 14 points and grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds for the Sixers, who played for the first time this season without Chris Webber, who sat out with a strained lower back. Philadelphia recorded an 85-81 triumph over Los Angeles on November 11 behind 34 points from Iverson, who is averaging 27.9 points in 18 career games against the Lakers. </font> </div> [div=50%] <font size=""1""> <font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers</font> <font size=""1""><font color=""DarkRed"">PG</font>- Allen Iverson <font color=""DarkRed"">SG</font>-Andre Iguodala <font color=""DarkRed"">SF</font>-Kyle Korver <font color=""DarkRed"">PF</font>- Chris Webber <font color=""DarkRed"">C</font>- Samuel Dalembert</font> <font size=""1"">Coach: Maurice Cheeks</font> <font size="3">Season Stats</font> Leading Scorer: Allen Iverson - 33.2 PPG Leading Rebounder: Samuel Dalembert - 10.4 RPG Assist Man: Allen Iverson - 7.3 APG The 'X' Factor: Andre Iguodala (11.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.8 APG) [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/allen_iverson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Allen Iverson </font> PPG: 33.2, RPG: 3.4, APG: 7.3 Allen Iverson has been held in check the last two games, scoring less than 20 points in the 76ers last two games, the leagues leading scorer will look to get back on track tonight as his team plays the Lakers, and the leagues second leading scorer. Iverson had a good game against the Lakers the last time these two teams played in Philadelphia going off in the scoring column while Dre held Kobe in check. If the same thing happens tonight expect another win. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/andre_iguodala.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Andre Iguodala </font> PPG: 11.8, RPG: 6.2, APG: 2.8 Andre Iguodala, the same man who held Kobe in check earlier in the season, is playing some great basketball these last couple of weeks. He has received the ball more often, and become more of an offensive weapon in the 76ers system. However, expect his biggest impact tonight to come on the defensive end. The key to the game will be the Dre versus Kobe match up all the others are just side notes. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kyle_korver.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Kyle Korver </font> PPG: 12.4, RPG: 3.4, APG: 4.3 Kyle Korver will have his hands full tonight with the versatile Lamar Odom. Last time these two teams faced off Odom became a lost soul despite having a obvious advantage on the offensive end. The Lakers became a one man team looking to Kobe Bryant every single time down the court, but to o avail. Korver currently has a streak of over 20 games with a three point field goal can he continue it tonight? Odds on bet......yes. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_webber.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Chris Webber</font> PPG: 19.6, RPG: 10.4, APG: 3.4 Chris Webber missed the Suns game with a lower back strain, but is expected to return tonight. Chris will be relied upon heavily tonight as a scoring option to take some other pressure off of Iverson. If the 76ers can have Webber and Allen performs well tonight they will pull out a victory. How well will Webber perform coming off his first injury of the season remains to be seen. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/samuel_dalembert.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Samuel Dalembert </font> PPG:8.7, RPG: 10.4, APG: 0.7 Averaging double digit rebounding in less than 30 minutes a game, due to foul trouble, has fans wondering how good Samuel can be when he learns to stay out of foul trouble. Samuel Dalembert will have to do a good job rebounding tonight, and be a rock down low for the 76ers. Every time the 76ers out rebound their opponents they win. Sammy is a big part of that, and an even bigger part if Webber sits this game out again. [/div] <font color="Purple"> Los Angeles Lakers</font> <font size=""1""><font color=""Purple"">PG</font>- Smush Parker <font color=""Purple"">SG</font>-Kobe Bryant <font color=""Purple"">SF</font>-Lamar Odom <font color=""Purple"">PF</font>- Kwame Brown <font color=""Purple"">C</font>- Chris Mihm</font> <font size=""1"">Coach: Phil Jackson</font> <font size="3">Season Stats</font> Leading Scorer: Kobe Bryant- 32.7 PPG Leading Rebounder: Lamar Odom- 9.5 RPG Assist Man: Lamar Odom- 5.4 APG The 'X' Factor: Smush Parker (11.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.1 APG) [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/smush_parker.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Smush Parker</font> PPG: 11.1, RPG: 3.1, APG: 3.1 After getting off to a great start earlier in the season Smush has fallen off just a bit from the level he was at. Though still playing exceptionally well he has not been the same type of factor for the Lakers recently. With the return of Kobe to the lineup we will see how Smush responds, he is still great at forcing turnovers something that has killed the 76ers a lot this season. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kobe_bryant.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> PPG: 32.7 PPG, RPG: 5.4, APG: 4.4 Kobe Bryant on any given night is a tough match up. Kobe Bryant playing with a chip on his shoulder after a suspension, accompanied by the fact he is going against the player who held him to his worse game of the season, and it’s down right hell. Kobe Bryant will come out with fire tonight, but the 76ers will need to respond, and at least contain him to have a chance to win. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/lamar_odom.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Lamar Odom </font> PPG: 15.0, RPG: 9.5, APG: 5.4 Lamar Odom did not really show the Lakers much while Kobe was suspended, now its back to his usual role as Batman’s side kick. Odom has received a lot of bad press this season despite leading the Lakers in rebounds and assists. he has a huge advantage being matched up against Korver tonight he needs to be aggressive and enforce his will tonight. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kwame_brown.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Kwame Brown</font> PPG: 5.8, RPG: 5.7, APG: 0.8 Kwame Brown has stepped up his game a little bit lately, for Brown standards, but is still in for a long night going against one of the games better big men in Chris Webber. Brown will need to be solid, and not try to do too much tonight for his team. He had a decent game in Philadelphia last time these two teams met nothing to suggest he can not do it again. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_mihm.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Chris Mihm</font> PPG: 9.9, RPG: 6.5, APG: 0.8 Chris Mihm played a really good game the last time these two teams met, but back then the 76ers where without Samuel Dalembert. he will have a much harder night on the offensive end as he is matched up against Sammy, and not Hunter. Samuel is a good shot blocker, and rebounder so Mihm will not get to many second chance opportunities tonight. </font> <font size=""1""><div align="center"> </div> <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Rebound</font></font> <font size=""1"">a constant key to every game the 76ers are 13-1 when they out rebound there opponents. Not only that, but they will be going up against a Lakers team that really got a lot of easy buckets off of second chance opportunities the last time these two teams faced off. The 76ers big men average over ten more rebounds than the Lakers big men there is no reason to be out rebounded tonight.</font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Control the ball</font></font> <font size=""1"">so many times this season the 76ers have coughed up the ball which has cost the team in crucial stages of the game. Even when they are not trailing, but on a scoring roll they seem to shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers. </font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Bench Scoring</font></font> <font size=""1"">the 76ers need to get some production from there bench. Their starters, four of them at least, average over 30 minutes a game because of a lack of bench production. Salmons fell off last month he will need to get back to playing like he played in November for us to win.</font>[/list] <div align="center"></div> The Lakers are five point under dogs tonight, according to espn, so there is no reason for me, a Sixers fan, to predict anything other than a 76ers victory. There have been some rumors flowing around the 76ers organization that the team is falling apart, and turning one ach other. Nothing cures problems better than winning, which is what I think they will do tonight against the struggling Lakers team.</font>
The preview layout with the added on details is a thing of beauty. I bet it took you forever to do that. My take is on the game is very simple. Sixers win by 5-10 points. Iverson goes crazy, Iggy will go for 20+ and Iggy will do a excellent job on Kobe until Kobe finally goes nuts in the 4th quarter. 101-96 Sixers
First off very nice preview BKS. The 76ers need to win this game. So far they haven't played well on the road this season, and going out of the road trip with a win will hopefully lift their spirits some. The key to this game has to be Allen Iverson, the 76ers need him to have a big game or at the least an "average" 33 and 8 night. I'm not sure what has been up with AI recently but he has not been shooting well, and hopefully he can get himself and the 76ers back on track tonight. I also agree with Best Kept Secret, the 76ers need their bench players to come in and provide some production. Salmons hasn't been playing well since after November, he needs to have a big game and regain his confidence. Chris is a game time decision for tonights game. He doesn't need to rush back, becuase back problems tend to plague players once they get them. As for tonights thing, I'm taking the Sixers. They always seem to want to play defense against Kobe in the Lakers, so maybe they'll play some defense tonight. AI should be good tonight and lead Philly to a win, but it is all about teamwork! 97-91 76ers.
damn BKS!! thats a nice preview! this is going to be a fun game for me to watch because im a fan of both teams. as for the game, as B-22 mentioned, chris webber is a game time decision. if webber doesnt play, im taking the lakers, but if webber does play, it will be a dog fight. but for some reason, i feel that the lakers are going to pull out with a win. why? kobe will be back with a chip on his shoulder, and when that happens, it doesnt matter if you put bruce bowen on him. he's going to be hot. this is going to be a fun game to watch.
I have a feeling Kobe goes for atleast 30 points, but I definitely hope he doesn't. I hope Webber plays, because our offense struggles without him, in my opinion. Everybody just stands around and watches Iverson, whereas with Chris in the game everybody moves around. Key to the game: TEAM defense, not only on Kobe, but limit everybody as well.
I'm not sure if Kobe's thumb is completely healed, and the last time he played with an injured finger, his jumpers was really off. I think he's going to see how the 76ers defend him and then adjust accordingly. If they send 3 guys at him like the last time, he'll become a passer. If Iggy defends him one on one, Kobe is going to attack him and will likely end up with 30 shots. The matchup I'm worried about is Iverson. Every time the Lakers face him he gets to the line 15 to 20 times. The last few games he hasn't been on the charity stripe, and I'm worried he's going to get a lot of opportunities tonight. Smush Parker and Sasha are not smart enough on defense to bother Iverson and Mihm is not disciplined enough to alter a shot without drawing a foul. The key for the Lakers is Lamar Odom showing up in the game. Hopefully he learned how important it is for him to start scoring more consistently after being the primary option in the last two games. The Lakers need 20 from him tonight and for him to show up in crunch time, because this is going to be a close game. Both teams really need a win here, but I like the Lakers at home tonight. They haven't played well at home all season, but the 76ers are struggling and banged up right now. BTW - The Lakers are 5 point favorites, not underdogs. When there is a minus sign in front of the pointspread, it indicates the favorite.
Man the Lakers are blowing us out of the building up by 16 and shooting 70% from the field. Allen Iverson has 15, but is getting no help from anyone else. All our starters, outside of Korver, are resting right now so the Lakers can really close out the game right now. Cheeks needs to get AI back there. Kobe Bryant as 20 already. Also thanks to everyone for the complements on the preview. My bad on getting the spread wrong Shape.
Got to love those refs, apparently the referee standings right in front of the play cannot see what the call should have been, but the referee at the end of the court did. Really bad call on Samuel right there. The 76ers need to step there defense up. They have cut it to single digits a couple of times only to have the Lakers come right back. It’s really been a battle inside the battle, with Kobe and Iverson, both have played lights out. Oh man another horrible call as I type this on Chris Webber sends Kobe to the line for a three point play.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Got to love those refs, apparently the referee standings right in front of the play cannot see what the call should have been, but the referee at the end of the court did. Really bad call on Samuel right there. The 76ers need to step there defense up. They have cut it to single digits a couple of times only to have the Lakers come right back. It?s really been a battle inside the battle, with Kobe and Iverson, both have played lights out. Oh man another horrible call as I type this on Chris Webber sends Kobe to the line for a three point play.</div> Yeah the call on Sammy was ridiculous. And we have a Bynum sighting with 4 seconds left before halftime.
The 76ers have really left Dre out on an island all night by making him go one on one with Kobe Bryant. The team defense is horrendous, and the couple of times that the 76ers actually try to rotate to help Dre out they end up fouling, or having a defensive break down which allows for an easy bucket by Odom or Smush Parker. You have to hand it to the Lakers tonight 67 points at the half for a team that averages 96 a game. Either this team learned a lot in their two games without Kobe, or the 76ers are just that bad, possibly a combination of the two. Turnovers have killed the 76ers so far they just showed the turnover differential on the half time game tracker, and well lets just say there not pretty. One positive to take out of the first half was efficiency, at least from Iverson, 25 points on 11 shots from the field. Third quarter underway, and both teams have already turned the ball over.
If I where Cheeks I would just tell the guys to stop guarding Kobe. It’s ridiculous the man is getting three point plays every single time getting fouled on jumpers, when driving the lane, etc. I have counted at least four three point plays by Kobe tonight. In other news we got another Bynum sighting, twice in one night that’s crazy stuff, with Mihm in foul trouble Bynum will probably see a good amount of minutes this half. Kobe has 48 with a quarter to go can he make it 60 again? The 76ers getting blown out for the second game in a row down by 19 points. Every time they made a push the Lakers have pushed back harder, one step forward two steps back.
The Lakers won every quarter except the 2nd. It was 30 all. Good Game lakers. We are back to .500 Now for a run! Lets use that passion Kobe in a positive way and win some games..
The 76ers always have the tendacy to let those average decent players go for pretty big nights. The recent example would be Smush Parker going for 24 points in that Laker blowout. The 76ers were probably making him look like Dwyane Wade out there. If they would have held him to an average night, they still could have been in this game at the end. It isn't looking good for this team, because they can't win hardly on the road. The 76ers defense is also pretty bad, they don't play as a team on defense. But they score all the points in the world. You won't win games like that.
I have really been impressed so far with Kobe Bryant's response to his crtitics earlier in the season for taking so many shots. I am more impressed by the fact that he didn't go out there like a sheep and just limit his shots to 24 a game... nah he still takes alot of shots. But he has bettered his shot selection somewhat. Is going to the rim a bit more... and damn he has just been explosive some games. Has anyone been quite as explosive as Kobe has this season?
I dont think so, I find it funny after that last meeting between these two teams. People were calling Andre Iguodala the Kobe stopper. And I said it then and ill say it again only one man can slow down Kobe and thats Bowen. Great game by the Lakers with a game like that by Kobe, it would be hard for any team to beat the lakers that night.
Nobody was calling Iguodala the Kobe stopper, except for fans who probably don't understand the concept of team defense. Last time out, the Sixers contained Kobe with good team defense, not Iguodala's one-on-one defense. And I hate the word "stopped." Nobody can stop a great scorer like AI or Kobe, you can only hope to contain them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BigMo763:</div><div class="quote_post">Nobody was calling Iguodala the Kobe stopper, except for fans who probably don't understand the concept of team defense. Last time out, the Sixers contained Kobe with good team defense, not Iguodala's one-on-one defense. And I hate the word "stopped." Nobody can stop a great scorer like AI or Kobe, you can only hope to contain them.</div> Agreed. If you watched sportscenter they kept reporting the game as a battle between AI and Kobe and then went on to say how Kobe dominated the game even though AI had a pretty damn good game himself shooting over 50% from the field.
