<div align="center"> <font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers (22-21)</font> at <font color="DarkBlue">Orlando Magic (18-23)</font> Place: Sunday, 6:00pm at Magic TV: NBALP, CSN <font size=""1""> The Philadelphia 76ers were able to scratch out a win without All-Star guard Allen Iverson on Saturday. They hope to accomplish the feat for the second time in as many days Sunday when they visit the Orlando Magic. The NBA's second-leading scorer, Iverson is sidelined with a sprained ankle and missed the Sixers' contest with the New York Knicks on Saturday. Despite falling behind early, Philadelphia rallied without its best player to post a 91-76 triumph. Chris Webber had 21 points and 10 rebounds while John Salmons added 18 and nine for the Sixers, who held the Knicks to 35 percent (24-of-68) shooting from the floor. Philadelphia will need a similar defensive effort Sunday when it visits an Orlando squad which has won five of its last six. The Magic had their season-best five-game winning streak snapped Friday when they dropped a 97-94 decision to the Knicks. Steve Francis scored a season-high 36 points, but Orlando could not overcome a 21-point halftime deficit. </font> </div> [div=50%] <font size=""1""> <font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers</font> <font size=""1""><font color=""DarkRed"">PG</font>- Kevin Ollie <font color=""DarkRed"">SG</font>-Andre Iguodala <font color=""DarkRed"">SF</font>-John Salmons <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 - 33.6 PPG Leading Rebounder: Samuel Dalembert - 10.2 RPG Assist Man: Allen Iverson - 7.5 APG The 'X' Factor: Andre Iguodala (12.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.6 APG) [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kevin_ollie.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Kevin Ollie </font> PPG: 1.8, RPG: 1.2, APG: 1.0 The sparingly used Kevin Ollie will be making his second start of the season, in place of the injured Allen Iverson, who did not make the trip to Orlando. Kevin Ollie was rather impressive in his first career start as a 76ers, last night in the Wachovia Center. Despite playing an extended role for the team Ollie still had excellent ball control finishing the game with no turnovers once so ever. That is the type of execution that the 76ers will need tonight in order to pull out a win against an Orlando squad that handed them a heart breaking lose only a few nights ago. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/andre_iguodala.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Andre Iguodala </font> PPG: 12.1, RPG: 5.9, APG: 2.6 Andre Iguodala stepped it up big time in the scoring department last night, during Iverson’s absence. Dre managed to score 16 points on over 50% shooting from the field, but unfortunately, that is really all he did. Despite being known as one of the best overall players on the squad Dre finished with no rebounds and only two assists. With AI out Dre has to become a leader for this team not just with his scoring, but his playmaking ability as well, getting his teammates, involved, and ripping down boards. He will need to improve in both those areas tonight especially after Orlando made the 76ers look like a high school team in the rebounding category a few days ago in the Wachovia Center. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/john_salmons.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">John Salmons </font> PPG: 7.6, RPG: 2.6, APG: 2.2 John Salmons has earned a reputation of being a guy you can count on to step his game up when AI is out. He did it last year scoring over 20 points in a game AI missed, and he did it again last night scoring 18 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. He became essentially a point forward for the 76ers last night he will be relied upon to do the same today for the 76ers to win their second straight without Allen in the lineup. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_webber.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Chris Webber</font> PPG: 19.7, RPG: 10.0, APG: 3.0 Chris Webber was brilliant during last nights contest against New York. He managed to score 21 points, grab 10 rebounds, and dish out four assists as the vocal point of the 76ers offense. He either matched or surpassed his season average in each of the major areas. What was so impressive was not just the numbers he put up, but the way he did it. Putting the ball on the floor making a move and driving to the basket, setting up his shot with a pump fake, etc. Vintage Christopher Webber. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/samuel_dalembert.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkred">Samuel Dalembert </font> PPG:9.1, RPG: 10.2, APG: 0.6 Samuel Dalembert was a man among boys last night on the boards pulling down 15 boards while blocking 5 shots. Sammy proved to be a defensive power house last night against the Knicks. He had surpassed his block per game average at half time, and might have had around 8-10 blocks if he had played serious minutes in the second half of last nights game. A very impressive performance by Sammy. He will be looking to carry that over to tonight’s game, when these two teams met last time Sammy was limited because of foul trouble. If he wants to help his team win tonight he will have to be smart and stay out of foul trouble. [/div] <font color="DarkBlue"> Orlando Magic</font> <font size=""1""><font color=""DarkBlue"">PG</font>- Steve Francis <font color=""DarkBlue"">SG</font>- Deshawn Stevenson <font color=""DarkBlue"">SF</font>- hidayet Turkoglu <font color=""DarkBlue"">PF</font>- Dwight Howard <font color=""DarkBlue"">C</font>- Tony Battie</font> <font size=""1"">Coach: Brian Hill</font> <font size="3">Season Stats</font> Leading Scorer: Grant Hill- 16.8 PPG Leading Rebounder: Dwight Howard- 12.6 RPG Assist Man: Steve Francis- 5.6 APG The 'X' Factor: Deshawn Stevenson (11.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.0 APG) [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/steve_francis.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkblue">Steve Francis</font> PPG: 16.7, RPG: 5.7, APG: 6.7 Despite an incredible performance from Steve Francis which was comprised of 36 points in 39 minutes, the Magic comeback ran out of time as they lost to the Knicks on Friday night by three points. Steve Francis has become a huge factor in the Magic winning five out of their last six games since he has come back from his suspension Francis has regained his all star swagger. Steve Francis dished out 15 dimes the last time these two teams met a few nights ago he will be looking to follow that up with another quality game tonight at the TD Waterhouse Center. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/deshawn_stevenson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkblue">Deshawn Stevenson</font> PPG: 11.8 PPG, RPG: 3.0, APG: 2.0 Deshawn Stevenson has lost the label of just being an athletic player and nothing more this season. He is averaging career highs for the Magic as their starting shooting guard, and has played very well for them all season. He struggled a bit against the Knicks during the Magic’s last contest, scoring 10 points on 4-10 shooting so he will be looking to rebound from that tonight with a good offensive game. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/hidayet_turkoglu.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkblue">Hidayet Turkoglu</font> PPG: 13.9, RPG: 4.1, APG: 2.3 Hedo was a Sixer killer when these two teams met a few nights ago in Philadelphia. Not only did he kill the 76ers with a buzzer beater before the half as well as several key buckets down the stretch. He also grabbed the game sealing offensive rebound in overtime for the Magic to beat the 76ers. He will be looking to continue his recent hot streak as he faces the 76ers for the second time in the last three games. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/dwight_howard.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkblue">Dwight Howard</font> PPG: 15.0, RPG: 12.6, APG: 1.4 Howard was a monster in New York on Friday night. He continued to put up the same impressive numbers he has had all season on the boards as he grabbed 14 boards. Although, his offensive numbers where down only 10 points on 3-9 shooting. Howard still managed to grab key rebounds on the offensive end to give his teammates some second chance opportunities. Howard dominated the 76ers on the boards the last time these two teams met including a tip in late in the overtime session which put the Magic up by four points, and eventually resulted in an Orlando win. [imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/tony_battie.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkblue">Tony Battie</font> PPG: 7.8, RPG: 6.5, APG: 0.5 Tony a veteran in the NBA has been a solid option at center for the Magic this season. Despite lacking the flash, and lacking the big time presence Battie has put up some good numbers, numbers that people half his age are not putting up. Battie will need to contain Dalembert tonight for them to have a chance to win. He did well the last time these two teams met getting Dalembert into some early foul trouble which put the Magic at a huge advantage he will be asked to do the same tonight. </font> <font size=""1""><div align="center"> </div> <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Rebound</font></font> <font size=""1"">the Magic embarrassed the 76ers on the boards when these two teams met a few nights ago. The way the Magic out rebounded the 76ers I think a high school team could have done a better job boxing out. The 76ers gave up two key second chance buckets down the stretch after stopping the Magic that cost the 76ers the game. If they cannot rebound tonight they will be in for another long game.</font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Ball Control</font></font> <font size=""1"">the 76ers cannot turn over the ball tonight they are already playing with 33 less points per game, due to Allen Iverson‘s absence they cannot afford to give the Magic extra points. Kevin Ollie, if there is one thing he is good at, it is ball control. The team will need another performance like the one he had in New York from him tonight.</font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkRed"><font size=""1"">Defense</font></font> <font size=""1""> the 76ers defense against the Knicks last night was suffocating the Knicks every single possession. They managed to keep the Knicks from getting into any type of offensive rhythm at all. While at the same time forcing several key turnovers that ended any comeback hopes the Knicks had. They will need to have that effort carry over into tonight’s game in order to have a chance at coming out with a victory.</font>[/list] <div align="center"></div> <ul><font color="DarkBlue"><font size=""1"">Second Chance Buckets</font></font> <font size=""1""> the thing that sealed the game for the Magic a few nights ago when they played the 76ers was their offensive rebounding. They just crushed the 76ers spirits every time the 76ers put up a good 24 second defensive stand the Magic just came right back with an offensive rebound. Do the same tonight and a win is almost guaranteed.</font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkBlue"><font size=""1"">Get Howard going early</font></font> <font size=""1"">the kid is an animal I don‘t know why the team is not running more offensive schemes for him. Howard could very well be a 20 and 14 guy this season if he would get more opportunities on the offensive end. Given that he is getting more chances than he was last season his shot attempts are still way below the average number he should be getting. If the 76ers play the same type of defense that they did last night today the Magic will have a tough time getting the all in the basket if they don‘t go inside early and often.</font>[/list] <ul><font color="DarkBlue"><font size=""1"">Bench Scoring</font></font> <font size=""1""> the Magic bench namely Pat Garriety dominated the 76ers a couple of nights ago. If they can get the same type of performance again tonight they will be in good shape the 76ers are already 30+ points short on the offensive end, and have the worst bench, statistically, in the NBA. So put two and two together it equals a Magic win.</font>[/list] <div align="center"></div> The Magic are a six and a half point favorite tonight against the 76ers, understandable, considering they just beat the 76ers when the Sixers still had Iverson and where at home. However, for some reason I have a feeling the Magic will come into this game taking the 76ers lightly and be in for a big surprise. Expect a big game from Andre Iguodala I will go out on a limb, and predict a 76ers victory in a close one.</font>
Why wouldn't I be surprised if the Sixers won this. And if they do expect some articles tomorrow the next day talking about how AI is the problem.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Avery:</div><div class="quote_post">Why wouldn't I be surprised if the Sixers won this. And if they do expect some articles tomorrow the next day talking about how AI is the problem.</div> Aint that the truth if and when the Sixers win tonight i will prolly refuse to read any articles for about another month or so it gives everyone time to get off their "ive seen 2 good basketball games so i know everything trip" It sucks when as a Sixer fan you have to be not looking forward to win bc of all the bullshit that will come out of it
I don't see us winning this game unless we play the same type of defense we played last night against the Knicks, and with the Sixers' erratic play this season I don't know what to expect tonight. We can't get in a shootout without our top-gunner.
Matt Barnes is out for tonight with a sprained ankle as well so Andre Iguodala and John Salmons will see even more minutes than usual.
damn. no iggy? thats a loss offensively and defensively. but i think this is a very winnable game. the sixers have to just play tough D and hopefully their offense will come to them. i predict the sixers will win again, a final score of 101-92. btw. BKS, great job at making previews man, your doing a great job. i cant do some of the things you do. lol. big props.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phiLA:</div><div class="quote_post">damn. no iggy? thats a loss offensively and defensively. but i think this is a very winnable game. the sixers have to just play tough D and hopefully their offense will come to them. i predict the sixers will win again, a final score of 101-92.</div> Dre is playing. Barnes is the one that is out. Anyway, pretty even game so far 13 all. Samuel Dalembert already in foul trouble. Surprise? Not really. Webber is doing a great job of setting people up and the defense looks incredible so far. The Magic have started out shooting 5-15. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">btw. BKS, great job at making previews man, your doing a great job. i cant do some of the things you do. lol. big props.</div> Thanks .
Salmons and Webber are playing real good, and Ollie is playing some great defense. He needs to be in there ALOT more, AI hurt or playing.
Hopefully Philly can pull this one out because we really need this one if we wanna take ova first in our divison.
The 76ers up by eight with less than a minute to go, I think it’s safe to say we won. The reason this team has played well without Allen these last two nights has been that they actually play like a team. At one point they had 20 assists on 29 buckets. When Allen is on the court the team just gives him the ball and gets out of the way. Even AI said that he gives his teammates the ball, but they just give it right back. I want to see how they play when AI gets back. Webber has played out of his mind these last two games, as has Salmons and Iguodala great team effort. Louis Williams is better than I thought in the limited time he has played these last two games he has looked good. Another good win, and our team defense was spectacular yet again.
AI plays alot of 1 on 1 too tho. I know players give it back alot of the time, but some of it is AI thinking he has to take over the game. The media will eat this one up, but one thing is for sure, we have played some great D and good team basketball these last 2 games. When the ball goes through Webber, and other players like Louis Williams and Kevin Ollie get a chance they have stepped up.
Good win by the sixers, we have shown that we can play defense when we want to. Move ova Nets philly is coming.
Great win tonight... big games from a lot of players again in this win. As for Allen, I think a lot of times he is forced to play one-on-one ball. However, there are times where he wrongfully tries to do things on his own. He just has to do a better job at judging when to run an isolation for himself and when to set up his teammates. Offense is not the problem... still. Defense has been our achilles heal. When Allen comes back I want us playing the same type of defense we are playing right now. I think with Allen on the court the team goes into a run-and-gun mode rather than a defensive mindset. Hopefully Allen comes back and lets the team know they did a great job these past two games, and the same great things we saw in this game and the Knicks game will continue to happen. We're tied for first in the division with this win, and have a tough game against Phoenix at home on Tuesday night. If Allen isn't back for that game, we are definitely going to lose unless Webber somehow explodes for 50. Nobody is slowing down the Suns...
Good win for the 76ers, and yes they are playing like a team should play. There is a lot of ball movement and they look efficient out there. Chris Webber was also making a lot of plays, he said that he wanted to have the ball more in his hands so he can make more passes, and these last 2 games I think he has made his case. There defense has also looked improved these past games, we'll make a verdict after they play a good offense in Phoenix though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Dre is playing. Barnes is the one that is out. </div> oh yeah. lol. i just skimmed your post and i guess i read it wrong. anyways, great win by the sixers. even more impressive because AI didnt play at all. who knows? they seem like they are getting back in track. hopefully when AI returns, we will continue to play as well and win the atlantic! btw, i guess sammy has really improved his offense? it seems to me that he has had a few games in double figures! good job sammy! also, anyone notice that when korver went to the bench, he started to get less effective? 1-8 shooting tonight. i hope he gets our of that slump.
The benching has effected Kyle, no doubt about it. I also don't expect him to be very effective when Allen isn't out there with him, so the last two games weren't much of a surprise for me in terms of his poor performance. It is a good thing he is struggling off the bench, though, because we have a solid starting five with him on the bench. Although Korver tries very hard on defense, he is pretty much worthless if he is not hitting that outside shot.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[IMGR]http://www.nba.com/media/sixers/korver_300_060129.jpg[/IMGR]The Philadelphia 76ers proved once again that a team can overcome the loss of a superstar with strong defense. Chris Webber scored 18 points and dished out eight assists as the 76ers delivered another uncharacteristically strong defensive performance en route to an 89-81 victory over the Orlando Magic. Despite boasting one of the NBA's most explosive offenses, Philadelphia entered Sunday's contest allowing an average of 101.8 points per game - the third-worst mark in the league. But with six-time All-Star Allen Iverson sidelined with an ankle injury, the 76ers have been forced to buckle down on the defensive end. They have allowed a total of just 157 points over their last two games - both victories without Iverson. John Salmons scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and Samuel Dalembert added 15, eight rebounds and four blocks in this one for Philadelphia, which has won five of its last six. With the score tied at 75-75, the Sixers reeled off nine consecutive points over a span of four minutes late in the fourth quarter to take control. Andre Iguodala converted a free throw to give Philadelphia the lead for good with 3:01 to play but missed his second attempt. However, Webber grabbed the offensive rebound and buried a short jumper 15 seconds later to push the lead to 78-75. Kevin Ollie made a pair of free throws, Webber knocked down another jumper and Iguodala sank another free throw over the next 90 seconds, and Philadelphia played stifling defense to build an 83-75 advantage with a minute to play. Steve Francis had 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to record his seventh career triple-double for the Magic, who had their seven-game home winning streak snapped. Orlando managed just 36 points after halftime and went 5-of-18 from the floor in the final quarter.</div> <div align="center"><font size=""1""> Recap l Box Score</font></div>
