Seattle @ Philadelphia: Official Game Thread

Details:

When: Tuesday, November 16th
Where: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia
Time (Seattle): 4:00
TV: Fox Sports, League Pass

Projected Starters:

<font color="green">Seattle (6-1)</font>

Luke Ridnour
Ray Allen
Rashard Lewis
Reggie Evans
Jerome James

<font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia (4-3)</font>

Allen Iverson
Willie Green
Andre Iguodala
Kenny Thomas
Marc Jackson

Injury Troubles:

<font color="green">Seattle</font>

Vitaly Potapenko: Broken hand, ruled out.
Ibo Kutluay: Knee tendinitis, ruled out.
Flip Murray: Quadricep strain, ruled out.

<font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia</font>

Aaron McKie: Strained shoulder, unlikely.
Kedrick Brown: Strained back, ruled out.
Glenn Robinson: Ankle tendinitis, ruled out.

Brief Notes:
<ul>
[*]The Sonics have forgotten how to lose. Down 21 with just over a quarter to go against the Grizz, and they came back to win it and keep their six game unbeaten streak alive. Philadelphia too have started out better than expected and welcome Sam Dalembert back into the fold, while rookie Andre Iguodala has also been impressive. Iguodala may get the defensive job on Ray Allen, who is currently hitting anything and everything from the field, and was just named the Western Conference POTW. This game marks the start of a six game roadtrip for the Sonics.
[/list]
<ul>
[*]Teams have been complaining about Seattle's physicality in the paint, and the league took notice, suspending Danny Fortson for the game against Memphis for a flagrant on Toronto's Chris Bosh. The Sonics rely on the grit and toughness of Fortson, Reggie Evans and Nick Collison in the paint (not to mention Vitaly Potapenko to come back), but they face one of the tougher frontcourts in the league. Marc Jackson doesn't mind throwing his weight around, Dalembert is a beast on the glass and with his shot blocking prowess, Kenny Thomas is as tough as they come and Corliss Williamson is a reputed tough guy. Expect a lot of hard screens and physical play in the paint at both ends in this one.
[/list]
<ul>
[*]Ridnour Watch: His biggest test as an NBA player by far. Luke has been in excellent form thus far, but with Allen Iverson switching over to the point guard position in 2004/05, and Philly playing Willie Green and Iguodala at the SG and SF spots, Iverson falls down to Luke defensively. He will rely on the usual help from Jerome James, Evans, Fortson and Collison to clog up the middle and limit Iverson's ability to get shots off in the paint. Obviously no one is expecting Ridnour to shut down Iverson at one end, but how he responds offensively at the other end will be a key factor in this one.
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All predictions, analysis and discussion relating directly to the game, both before, during and after, to be posted in this thread.

 

I'm going to this game. =D It should be a good one. I thinks the Sonics will win this one though, ;(

 

Sike Are U Crazy Philly Is Ballin And They Will Will Win This Game Ina A Close One 90-95

 

I didn't realize how good of a start the Sonics were off to! I guess no one here on the east coast realizes it but 6-1! Both teams matchup well, matchup to watchout for would be Shard vs. the rookie Iguodala. I am hoping that our young players Green, and Iguodala play good and get confidence throughout the whole season.

Prediction:

I think the game will go into overtime but that is going out on a limp:

Seattle - 95
76ers - 102 :thumbsup:

 

Seattle has momentum right now and I doubt Philly would be the team to halt their streak. If the duo of Allen/Lewis produces and just do what the normally do, which is to put points up on the board, the Sonics would find this one easy to take. One major problem though would be how to stop the depth in the Sixers frontcourt.

Sonics by 7.

 

I think with Fortson back in, our frontcourt will at least break even with Philadelphia's. Then, in the backcourt we've probably got a few more options to throw at the Sixers than will be coming from the other direction... or at least early season play would indicate. Seattle by 2 in OT.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">=D It should be a good one.</div>
I agree. A.I. and Ray Allen never had that good of a relationship. Ray is averging 26 PPG and leading the Sonics to a 6-1 record. Seattle really likes to run the ball too so the Sixers must stop that. Yeah, the Sonics MIGHT take this one :thumbsdow

 

I forgot to add, if Lukey Rid is having extended troubles with AI we can just chuck AD on him, which is a very, very suitable match-up, considering his defense and general form. Huzzah.

 

Ray Ray pwning in the early going. Iron Shiek to give him license to say whatever in interviews for the next 48 hours.

 

Lukey Rid is leading the game's assist to turnover ratio with 6:1 (it was 'undefined' a minute ago)

 

55-53 at halftime. God the Sonics have really impressed me. It seems like every player is contributing. If Ray Allen keeps playing like this...watch out. The Sixers are controlling them though. Korver came out hitting a couple of 3`s, Iverson knocking down some tough shots, keep it up.

 

Bad quarter by the 'ics, 19 to 30. Evidently we've been pretty dangerous in the second halves so far this year, so hopefully that trend continues.

 

55-53 at halftime. God the Sonics have really impressed me. It seems like every player is contributing. If Ray Allen keeps playing like this...watch out. The Sixers are controlling them though. Korver came out hitting a couple of 3`s, Iverson knocking down some tough shots, keep it up.

 

I just checked the box score....Ridnour has 9 dimes in 13 minutes of play!!

 

I think this team has found it's niche - winning.

 

Ray Allen, has 37 points for far, on 50% shooting and 7/12 from three. BTW I believe the record is 9 threes in a game (Kobe tied it last year I think). So glad to have Ray on my fantasy team.

 

We just tied the franchise record for threes made in a game, with 18.

What a run to end the third and start the fourth though, Philly couldn't get a look in while Ray, Rashard, Vlad and AD couldn't miss. Ridnour's rise continues, while AD is the best 6th man in the game right about now.

New Jersey tomorrow night, we should beat them but knowing Seattle basketball...

 

Nice win for the Sonics. They're looking like sharpshooters out there, especially Ray Allen... the guy is amazing.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">Ray Allen, has 37 points for far, on 50% shooting and 7/12 from three. BTW I believe the record is 9 threes in a game (Kobe tied it last year I think). So glad to have Ray on my fantasy team.</div>
Actually, the record is 12 threes in a game...by Kobe. You're talking about 9 consecutive threes in a game, also by Kobe

The Sonics are really surprising me right now. I was wondering how they could be ranked so low by BSPN, yet have so much talent on their team. I guess it was only a matter of time.

 

Sonics really are rolling, Ray is trying to prove a point to plenty of people this year, oh wait...It has more to do with playing for a huge contract. He has been crazy from deep this season. The guy looks really motivated.

He helps my fantasy team also