The Sixers Are Still Alive but Barely Breathing
All cliches aside, the Sixers are barely breathing.
A few weeks ago, they were last, but now they are only second to last in the East and 27th in the NBA.
I guess that means they’re trending upward, right?
Injury Bug
The Sixers, like always, are still struggling with the injury bug. Now that they’ve added another older veteran to the team this year, they struggle even more. George has played in 9 games this year (half), and Embiid has played in only 4. Not good. If they continue at this rate – which they hopefully don’t – George will play in 41 games, and Embiid will play in just 18 games over the course of the season. Not to rub salt in the wound, but Tobias Harris has played in 21 out of 22 games this season.
Both Embiid and George struggle to stay healthy consistently throughout their career. Forty-one games played for Paul George wouldn’t even be out of the question for him. His average number of games played over the last 5 years is only 52.6 per season. Surprisingly, Embiid averaged more games played (55) than George during that time.
For this team to gel and improve, they have to spend more time on the court together. If not, the season will most likely end in another disappointing early exit in the playoffs—if they even make it there.
What’s the Good News?
Usually, Tyrese Maxey is this team’s bright spot, but even he has missed a third of the season and has lost some efficiency without the special talent around him.
At least his numbers are pretty consistent with what he did last year.
Guerschon Yabusele
Yabusele has been a significant bright spot for this team. Many wondered whether or not his game would translate to the NBA enough for him to play a role on a contending team. We’ve seen that he has been good enough to play and contribute to a team, but with how they’ve been playing, we don’t know if he’s on a contender yet.
The best part of his game is his 3-point shooting. In his previous stint with the Celtics a few years ago, he struggled from the 3-point line, but now he’s shooting 43.7% for us. He’s a consistent threat from outside, which gives the guards some spacing to get to the rim and score or dish it out for a 3.
Other Young Talent
PHOTO: Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
With so many holes in the roster due to injury, many more young players have played significant game minutes. KJ Martin and Ricky Council recently played some good minutes for the team, providing intense energy for rebounding and defense.
Additionally, their shooting percentage was through the roof due to their relentless attack of the rim. Their young, fresh legs gave the fans a surprising infusion of youth to a team that has not made that their identity in past years.
Playoff Picture
That being said, the Sixers still find themselves at 4-14. They might have more losses than the Cavs or Celtics might get this whole year. If the year ended today, the Sixers would easily miss the playoffs and have a chance to get the number 1 draft pick.
With the expansion of the playoffs, it’s much easier for them to find themselves with a spot in the postseason, even if that is a very low seed. They have some serious work to do if they even want to be in the top 10 of the Easter Conference.
If they can get healthy, they have the talent to go the distance, but with how things are shaping out now, they don’t give too much hope.
PHOTO: Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
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Categorized:Sixers