The Philadelphia 76ers played their first NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks. During the game, the Sixers battled hard but lost in the end. The score ended at 111-99 in favor of the Knicks. Tonight, the Sixers will face the Orlando Magic for their second NBA Cup game. How will the Sixers look against the Magic?
Overview of the Philadelphia 76ers Performance
The Philadelphia 76ers are still struggling to find their footing. The Sixers lost their previous regular season game against the 13-0 Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently, the Philadelphia 76ers are 2-for-9 through 11 games. Yet, the Sixers franchise found their diamond while sinking in the sea of defeat.
In the absence of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain carried the Sixers team on his back to make the Cleveland Cavalier game competitive. The Sixers rookie finished with a double-double of 34 points and 10 assists. The only issue is Head Coach Nick Nurse’s choice of players. He loves using old veterans who can’t keep up with the speed on the court.
Sixers Lineup Projection
The projected line for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Orlando Magic includes Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Caleb Martin, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Maxey is out with a hamstring injury. Andre Drummond’s status on the injury report was questionable; thus, he may not be available as the team’s backup center.
In this projected starting lineup, Lowry averages 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. George averages 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists. Embiid has 13 points, three rebounds and five assists. Martin averages 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, and Oubre averages 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The player to watch out for is George after playing better in the Cleveland game.
76ers Team Preview
Some common mistakes the Philadelphia 76ers make come from the team’s rotation. The Sixers team is deep. However, Nurse uses Guerschon Yabusele to play a small ball five. This small ball tactic makes the team struggle to get rebounds on both ends of the floor. Since the team’s start this season is rusty, Nurse won’t have anything to lose if he starts Adem Bona from the bench, changing Yabusele’s role to be more of an offensive one for the team.
Embiid and Paul George will make their second start together. While Embiid was ramping up, George was on fire against the New York Knicks. He finished the game with 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. The All-NBA’s presence on the court contributed to the team’s competitiveness despite his low performance. Embiid should put up a show against the Orlando Magic who is without Paolo Banchero.
Lowry Should Play Less Minutes
Kyle Lowry’s performance this season has cost the Philadelphia 76ers many points. As the starting point guard, he hasn’t averaged double digits in points, rebounds, and assists since the season began. instead of playing Lowry, McCain should be inserted in the starting lineup.
A better starting five lineup for the Sixers includes Jared McCain, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, Paul George, and Joel Embiid. In the second unit, Ricky Council IV will share minutes with Oubre. Then Yabusele would come off the bench to replace Caleb Martin. Finally, Adem Bona will become the team’s backup center. KJ Martin would also come in for George who is on a minutes restriction.
Final Thoughts
The Sixers continue to struggle with their play-making skills. Yet, McCain seems to understand the job as he set up his teammates with 10 assists in the previous game. On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers rookie’s defensive play keeps improving each game. Though he’s an undersized guard, McCain starting the game is worth the effort with Embiid’s presence. Also, the Orlando Magic are riding four-game winning streak which should make this NBA Cup game competitive.
