Game Thread: Celtics @ Sixers (huge game) how big is this game?!? if the sixers win, they're only a game out of the division lead. let's hope that iverson and webber will be back, but i read an article that says iverson doesn't think he will be ready and webber may not play either. of all the games that iverson has fought through injuries in, he's got to play on tuesday as well as webber. the 3rd seed would be sweet, but a lot is lying on this one.
This is our last chance to get the #3 seed, if we can't win this game, we can only hope that we will get the #7 or#8 seed. Again, this is our LAST chance that said I have a strong feeling Iverson will find a way to suit up. And last time I checked, Iverson was listed as doubtful and he is now listed as a game-time decision. So that must give us some hope. Webber on the other hand was a game-time decision but he is now listed as doubtful. Reason being is particularly because he was doing fine in practice and all of sudden he left Monday's practice because he ended up vomiting. But he's probably feeling better today, who knows? As soon as I see some updates on these guys condition, I'll make sure I'll post it. As for the game itself, the 76ers will have to do the same exact thing they did against Washington. Boston isn't that hot, and we're playing at home, and I know for a fact that the win against Washington was a MAJOR confidence builder, so with or without our stars, I still believe the 76ers will make this a very competitive game. It's going to come down the wire, and since the C's has a 4th quarter go to guy, I'll give them the edge at crunch time. However don't count out the 76ers in crunch time, like they proved in Washington when it comes down to the wire, they could execute. From Iguodala stellar perimeter defense to Dalembert imposing shot blocking presence followed by Willie Green ability to run/lead a fastbreak and to top that off with Mckie experience and decision making and finally Korver ability to hit big shots, we could make this interesting in the final minutes, but that's only if it comes down to that. LETS GO SIXERS!
This is the big one, its make or break for Philly now, lose this, we'll be 7th or 8th, win it and we could take the atlantic crown.
Celtics @ 76ers Game Thread: 4/12/05 <font color="green">Boston Celtics (41-35)</font> @ <font color="red">Philadelphia 76ers (39-37)</font> Time: 7:00 PM, EST Arena: Wachovia Center TV: ESPN2 ____________________ <u>Last Meeting</u> Philadelphia 97, Boston 93 ____________________ <font color="green">Boston Celtics Starting Five</font> <font size="1"><font color="green">PG</font> Gary Payton <font color="green">SG</font> Delonte West <font color="green">SF</font> Paul Pierce <font color="green">PF</font> Antoine Walker <font color="green">C</font> Raef LaFrentz</font> <font size="1">Head Coach-Doc Rivers</font> ____________________ <font color="red">Philadelphia 76ers Starting Five</font> <font size="1"><font color="Red">PG</font> Willie Green <font color="Red">SG</font> Andre Iguodala <font color="Red">SF</font> Kyle Korver <font color="Red">PF</font> Rodney Rogers <font color="Red">C</font> Samuel Dalmbert</font> <font size="1">Head Coach- Jim O'Brien</font> ____________________ Player(s) To Watch <font color="red">Willie Green - Philadelphia 76ers</font> Expected Willie Green to lead the charge once again people?. Granted the fact that Iverson and Webber may sit this game out, Green is going to taken it upon himself to carry the team and lead the team to victory. In the last two games he started in place of Iverson, Green is averaging 26.4 PPG and shooting above 50%. And coming into this game he posted... 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, nine assists, four rebounds, three steals and just one turnover in the win against the Wizards this past Saturday. And having the up and down season he has had thus far, he is going to make a lot out of his chance to not only play, but to actually start a game in front of a nationally televised crowd. So expect some big things from Willie tonight. Projected Stats: 29 Point(s) , 6 Assist(s), 4 Rebound(s), 0 Steal(s), 1 Block(s) ____________________ <u>Keys To The Game</u> <font color="Red">Philadelphia 76ers</font> <ul><font color="Red">Momentum</font> They're last win was one heck of a confidence builder, and playing at home against the division rivals, the Boston Celtics and on top of that playing in front of a nationally televised crowd they must make sure they play with a sense of urgency. There is saying that role players play they're best when they're star player is out because it gets they're adrenalin running, well that statement couldn?t be any more true especially looking at the way the 76ers handled the Wizards. They had three players score twenty points a piece following by two additionally players which had eighteen and seventeen points respectively. So what the 76ers must do is approach this game the way they did against the Wizards. They had the Celtics number in the last confrontation, and with or without Iverson there is no reason why they cannot do this against one last time.[/list] <ul><font color="Red">Playoff Implication</font> Let?s just see how important the #3 seed actually is? (Remember, this is the 76ers last chance at catching up with the Celtics for the number one spot in the Atlantic Division.) #7 Seed vs. Detroit #8 Seed (Philadelphia) vs. Miami or #3 Seed vs. Washington/Chicago/Indiana/Boston Which would you pick? I think it?s an easy choice, and if the 76ers want a chance to play other playoff teams besides the Heat/Pistons they must make SURE they win this game. This is a very important game.[/list] __________________ Personal Prediction Despite what my preview says, I for one have a strong feeling Iverson will suit up tonight. Thus that will increase our chances of winning. However, if he decided to sit out this game, I'm still confidence in this team. This Celtics team has many scorers, and we're going to have to put a clamp on them defensively in order to win. They're first option on offense is Paul Pierce, and we all see how Iguodala played Pierce in the last meeting, so an encore defensive performance from Igudoala may very well be the key. And we all know basketball is a contagious sport, so when one player brings the defense, it will rub off to his teammates. So defense is going to be the key. If we can hold the Celtics under 100 points, I have a good feeling we will win. If not, the Celtics will have the edge, but when everything is said and done which ever team has the most second chance points and who ever takes better care of the ball will win the game.
This game is huge, and I can't express how important it is for us to get the W. Like Avery said, this is our last chance to get the division title so it's now or never. I really want to see a well-rounded game from the 76ers because we aren't going to be able to beat the Celtics individually because they are too strong of a team. Willie Green is going to need to play huge, as he usual does when he starts in my opinion if Allen doesn't play are chances of winning are on Green's shoulders. All of are players are going to have to put forth a good offensive effort as well as consistent defensive play to. I don't want to see any lapses at all we need to learn how to be a consistent team. Who would have though that the 76ers playoff implication would have to be held on the youngsters of the Sixers. It will be an interesting game, hopefully are guys will show their character and pull out the win.
thanks avery for your always informative pre-game analysis! anywho, we won't have to wait too much longer to see if c-webb and AI are playing. w/ or w/o them, i still think we have a good chance at winning, but it would definately help.
Good Luck Tonight. (not too much though ) I'm really hoping that after Doc's ejection last game, that the Celtics will come out fired up and show some damn heart. If they don't, the Sixers may not need either AI or CWebb to beat us. At the very least, it should be an interesting game, if for no other reason than the fact that the outcome will probably determine whether the 6er's can give the C's a run at the division title. The Celtics need to close the door and a win tonight would help alot. We need that 3rd seed.
This is crucial. If Phildelphia takes this, they have a legitamite chance at taking the Atlantic division title, which leads to the third playoff seed. Problem is, Iverson is questionable for this game while Webber probably won't be playing. So what are the Sixers chance of winning this game? Strangely, a decent chance. After the win against the Wizards, the entire team should be pumped up by now, ready for anything after grouping together as team to win. Thus, if either Iverson or Webber don't play, Philadelphia needs big games from Green, Iguodala, Dalembert, Jackson, and Salmons once again. And trust me, I know these guys can step it up. In addition to that, Boston has been in a slump for a while so we might be able to beat them while they're down. However, if Iverson does suit up and play, I really and that means really, hope he doesn't try to do too much himself. I mean the guy's two thumbs are sprained so thats obvious not too good for the shooting tough or stroke. His effectiveness is definitely going to drop if he isn't healed enough and he just wants to play. It all rides on Iverson's choice for this one.
^Just saw it on CSN, wow, that takes gut at their health levels. Anyway, big game and the most important of the season. Now that I learned AI and C-Webb are playing, my thoughts for a win have gone way up. The Sixers have to come in to this one with alot of confidence and intensity, I beleive the more excited and active they are, the more they`ll slow down the C`s.
Oh man, Webber can't make free throws and was having a horrible night. It with out a doubt, cost us the game. I mean, if the guy would actually start pounding it down low instead of going for those jumpers, we would have had a much better chance. Plus, whats even more aggravating is that he couldn't sink all his free throws in during crunch time. Anyways, a better post coming later.
The Sixers really beat them selves this game, from missed free throws, to forced shots,to careless turnovers, and to too many fouls. Webber didn't look like he was ready to play at all, but you got to give it to him for trying to help the team out instead of booing him. Philly is going to have to play the rest of their games flawless, or else the 76ers may be on the outside looking in. And if the Sixers do make it to the playoffs, then they are going to have to proove the world wrong.
Well fortunately Allen and Webber both played, unfortunately they lost. It was a good game but the Celtics were not about to let the Sixers take a season sweep, the team has to much heart and I think thats what it came down to. If I was a sixers fan I would be more worried about making a playoff spot at all, at this point. NJ is pretty hot right now, but I feel the Sixers will still make it.. Good Luck playing Shaq though!
