This Friday edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent the Sacramento Kings who are the Sixers foes for game four of the current five game West Coast swing. 

Hopefully the energy, scoring and defense that characterized the second half of the Clippers game is a sign of things to come for the Sixers and the recent slump is now officially behind us.  If that is the case, then this meeting with the last place Kings who will be without star guard Tyreke Evans again tonight, should end up in the win column for the 7-6.

Sacto has lost 7 of their last 8, gives up nearly 105 ppg. (7^thworst in the League) and the Sixers have won six straight vs. the Kings.  The Kings also have to be a little distracted with all this talk of moving to Anaheim swirling around.  Plus, and if we’re all being honest here, without Philly native Evans, there is no one of this roster who scares you.  Yes whe know they have a bevy of 7-footers on their roster — DeMarcus Cousins, Donte Green, Jason Thompson and our old friend Sammy Dalembert – and skilled 7-footers usually give the Sixers trouble.  But none of those bigs is skilled enough to beat the Sixers by themselves, so we’re not as worried about the interior size mismatch tonight as we normally would be in our previews.

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This slumping edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent the surging Los Angeles Clippers.

Yup, that’s not a misprint.  We said “surging” and Clippers in the same sentence.  Even though the Clip-joint is 1-2 in their last three games, they are 5-2 in their last seven runs and have played much, much better in recent weeks.  That recent run of solid play includes an 11-2 record in their last 13 games at the Staples Center.  Meanwhile our Sixers are officially in their first slump of 2011 having lost two straight and 3-of-their-last-4 games.  In addition to some match up problems and injuries, the fact that this game features two teams trending in opposite directions is another reason why we don’t like the Sixers chances tonight.

Obviously the Clippers will present some problems for the Sixers on the interior.  Unless we can restrict Blake “The Poster Child” Griffin to shooting jumpers, he is going to be a nightmare to deal with tonight.  Frankly we don’t see any of the Sixer bigs being able to guard him in half-court or keep up with him on the break, so you can book him for 20 & 10 tonight.  Plus his last game at Memphis may have been his worst all year, so he’ll be extra motivated to wipe that disaster from the memory of every SportsCenter viewer.  Combine that extra incentive with the fact that Griffin must be licking his chops over tonight’s match up with a visibly tiring (and reportedly injured) Elton Brand and the sky is the limit for Blake tonight.  The Sixers will probably also have problems with the Clips other bigs as well.  Keeping 7-footer DeAndre Jordan off the boards (7 rpg.) will be a big hurdle for the Sixers as will controlling Chris Kaman (12 & 7 per) when he is in the game. 

Also, is it me or does Mo Williams always give the Sixers fits, no matter what team he is on?

A tired and slumping Sixers team that faces matchup issues inside and on the perimeter leads us to believe the Sixers losing streak extends to three games tonight.  As always we hope and pray we are wrong.   

For a little more insight into the Clippers team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Breene Murphy at clipperblog.com to answer two questions on his Los Angeles team from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this Clips squad from an insider’s perspective. 

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This edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent, the young, talented and highlight reel making Oklahoma City Thunder. 

While we believe this is going to be a very interesting contest featuring two very young, athletic teams that play very similar styles of ball.  And we honestly think this is a huge game for the Sixers.  Basically it’s exam time for 7-6 tonight.  They’ve won 7 of the last 8, but all of those victories have come against teams with less then .500 records.  So while this recent run has been nice, it’s not all that impressive. 

Tonight should give us a very good idea of exactly where this much improved Sixers team (30-17 since the brutal start) stands among the NBA’s playoff teams.  The Thunder are 39-23 and sit in 4^th place in the ultra competitive Western Conference playoff race.  A victory tonight by the Sixers would make a statement to the rest of the League that the Sixers are for real-for real.

OKC won the first meeting 109-103 on Nov. 10 thanks to 31 points from Kevin Durant.  If you recall, that game was played during Iguodala’s Achilles’ tendonitis hiatus.  For us Iguodala’s presence and the lockdown defense that’s comes with him is the key to tonight’s game.  Durant has averaged 30 points per night in his last three meetings against the 7-6.  However, the list of elite scoring wing players whom Iguodala has shutdown this year is long and distinguished.  Dre really has taken his efforts at that end of the floor to another level this season (just ask Kobe) and he is a legit Defensive POY candidate.  Simply put, if Iguodala can hold KD to 20-25 points, the Sixers win this game.

Additionally it wouldn’t hurt the Sixers cause if Jrue could keep Russell Westbrook under wraps and the Sixers bigs can control the improving Serge Ibaka. 

For a little more insight into the Thunder team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Royce Young from dailythunder.com to answer two questions on the Thunder from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this OKC squad from an insider’s perspective.

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This edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ersopponents — features tonight’s opponent, the struggling Indiana Pacers.

We’re really torn as to which way this game will go tonight.  In our hearts we believe the rising Sixers should win in Indiana tonight against a Pacers team that has dropped 7 of their last 10 (including three straight) and is clinging to the 8^th and final playoff spot in the East.  However our collective basketball minds tell us this could be a tough game for the Sixers to win for a number of reasons.

The first is that this is a classic NBA “trap game”.  The Sixers are coming off an ugly OT win over the GSW on Sunday night and up ahead on the schedule is a “big” Wednesday evening game at home vs. the OKC Thunder that has the whole city buzzing followed by another “big” game vs. Boston.  So a road contest against the lowly Pacers that is the first in a set of back-to-back games may not have the 7-6’s full attention tonight. 

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This brief edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent, Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Even though we feel that the Sixers will shake off their disappointing loss to Dallas from the other night — especially that horrid 4^thquarter — and handle the Minnesota T-wolves tonight down at the WFC, we still believe this will be an interesting contest.  We certainly don’t think it will be another 20 point blow out win by the Sixers as was the case in the two teams previous matchup.

Obviously the Wolves have double-double machine Kevin Love manning the interior and that will present some problems for the 7-6.  As we all know the Sixers struggle mightily against talented and strong bigs.  Love has been tearing the League apart and will probably abuse the Sixers very weak defensive interior for 30 & 20 tonight.  So it will be yet another game where the Sixers have to overcome an all-star performance by an opposing post player to get the win. 

Tonight we’re looking for Doug Collins to try and get Louis Williams going.  Collins loves him some Louis, but Williams has struggled mightily in 3 of the last 4 games.  He hit rock bottom against the Mavs the other night when he went 1-8 and tallied 5 pts.  He also got abused by Jason Terry on the other end of the floor.

As well all know, Louis and his scoring punch off the bench have been a huge part of the Sixers success this season and if we want to stay above .500, then he’s going to have to get rolling again.  Collins does a great job of recognizing when a player needs a confidence boost and then calling that guy’s number until he’s back on track.  So look for the Wolves to get a heavy dose of LouWillville tonight and for the Sixers to win another one at home.

For a little more insight into the Timberwolves team the Sixers face today, we turn to our man Benjamin Polk from awolfamongwolves.com to answer two questions on the Wolves from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on the Minny squad from an insider’s perspective.

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This Friday evening edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent, the Detroit Pistons who are the only thing standing between the 76ers and a .500 record.

That’s right Philadunkia nation, a win at home tonight would pull the Sixers even at 29-29.  That’s a pretty unbelievable feat considering the 3-13 start this team put up.  When the Sixers win tonight (and we believe they will secure a W down at the WFC), it will mark the first time they have been able to boast being a .500 team since November 11^th 2009.  To say that it’s been a long time coming is an understatement.

Despite an abundance of confidence in the 7-6 tonight, we do have two areas of concern for the Sixers in this game.  The first is rookie big Greg Monroe.  He’s really come into his own recently (12 ppg. & 8.8 rpg. this month) and hit for a season-high 27 points and 12 rebounds the other night. We all know that the Sixers have trouble defending strong and talented bigs.  Also look out for Sixer killer Rodney Stuckey.  Detroit’s leading scorer (15.1 ppg) has averaged 24.7 during his last three visits to Philadelphia.  If Monroe and Stuckey get going early and give the Pistons some confidence, it may be enough to pump some life into this team and spark a rally for an upset.  Don’t forget the Pistons beat the Sixers into Detroit back in January (112-109). 

Those two concerns aside, we strongly believe the Sixers’ defense is too good and we are just too talented for the chaos that masquerades as the Pistons to have any real chance tonight.  The Pistons are tied for last in the NBA with 90.9 points scored per game on the road.  We all know that the Sixers can play the lockdown (96.8), so don’t expect a big scoring night from Detroit.  We also don’t think the Pistons can stay with the Sixers offensive weapons.  We especially like the chances of AI9 regaining his scoring touch tonight as ‘Dre is averaging 21.0 points per night in his last nine runs vs. the Pistons. 

The usual solid defense, Brand and Holiday scoring the ball, solid contributions off the bench from Thad and Louis, capped off by a big night from ‘Dre will be more then enough to produce a W for the Sixers tonight.

For a little more insight into the Pistons team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Dan Feldman from pistonpowered.com to answer two questions on the Pistons from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this Detroit squad from an insider’s perspective.

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This Friday edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent the San Antonio Spurs who own the best record NBA.

We’re going to keep this one brief as despite their improved play of late, we don’t think the 76ers have any chance of winning this game tonight.  The Spurs are simply one of deepest, most talented teams in the League.  They’re clicking on all cylinders right now and unless the Lakers pull off a major trade, we expect SA to represent the West in the 2011 NBA Finals.  So to go through all the matchup problems the Spurs present for our ”closing in on .500″ Sixers would be a waste of time.        

Tonight we’re looking and hoping for one thing from the Sixers — Jrue Holiday getting back on track.  We documented his recent struggles in a post that went up earlier today.  It hasn’t been pretty lately for # 11 and Collins needs to make an effort to get Holiday going early tonight.  We fear that if Holiday’s slide continues his confidence in his own game could shortly become an issue.  That would not be a good thing for the 7-6 going forward.

For a little more insight into the Spurs team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Jesse Blanchard from 48minutesofhell.com to answer two questions on Milwaukee from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this Bucks squad from an insider’s perspective. 

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This late Tuesday edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent the Atlanta Hawks who are winners of three straight games.

The Sixers have had two tough Ls against the Hawks this year, — the Hawks won 104-101 at Philadelphia on Oct. 29^th ; and of course who can forget the 93-88 debacle in Atlanta back on December 3^rd (The 76ers led from the first basket of the game until the final 31 seconds) – and unfortunately we expect the losing trend vs. Atlanta to continue tonight. 

Despite going 2-1 in their last three games away form the WFC, we all know that the 76ers have struggled on the road this season (7-19 overall).  On the flipside, the Hawks are 17-7 at home this season (15-2 in their last 17).  So those numbers don’t bode well for a potential win by the 7-6.

Additionally, on paper the Hawks are a more talented, more athletic and deeper squad.  Their young and skilled frontline especially presents some significant problems for the 76ers.  Al Horford is not a 100% lock to play tonight, but if he does, you should be aware that Horford is averaging a double-double vs. the Sixers this season (17.5 & 12.5).  Marvin Williams and super-athletic Josh Smith will also give the Sixers trouble in the paint. 

Throw in the fact that Sixer killer Joe Johnson (27.5 points in his last four home vs. the 76ers) will play tonight (He missed the Dec. 3^rd game due to an elbow injury) and the forecast for stopping the Hawks on the perimeter in this contest doesn’t look that sunny for the Sixers either.

However, for some reason the 7-6 continually play the Hawks well, so that leads us to believe that Sixers will keep this one close as they have done twice already this season.  Unfortunately just don’t think the Sixers have enough to win this one in Atlanta tonight.  That’s especially true if Jrue Holiday continues his recent struggles and Louis Williams tries to dominate in front of his hometown folks.

As always, we hope we’re wrong.

For a little more insight into the Hawks team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Bret LaGree from hoopinionblog.com to answer two questions on Atlanta from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this Hawks squad from an insider’s perspective. 

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This Friday edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s foes, the New York Knickerbockers.

Despite the fact that the Knicks sit 3 games ahead of the 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings, we really, really like the Sixers chances of pulling out a W at home tonight.  Let’s forget for a second that the Knicks have lost 8 of their last 11 and 5 straight on the road.  Then put aside the idea that the Sixers beat the Knicks in NYC back in early November when the Sixers were a mess and in the midst of a 3-13 start.  Also block out of your mind that Vegas has installed the Sixers as a four point favorite in this contest.  Those are the obvious reasons we like the Sixers to notch one in the win column tonight.

The “in-depth” reasons we really like the Sixers chances of securing another home win tonight is because of the significant matchup problems the 7-6 will present for the NYK’s defense.  The Sixers’ roster is simply filled with players that on paper should give the Knicks defenders fits all over the floor.  Who on the Knicks is going to guard Holiday?  Who’s going to bang with EB?  What Knick can handle covering ‘Dre for the majority of the night?  And those are just the matchup issues the Knicks will have with Sixers first-five. 

When Collins goes to his bench, is there a Knick guard that is nearly as fast as Louis?  What about Thad?  Which Knick 3 or 4 man will deal with the responsibility of defending his scoring from the wing?  Hell, even Speights appears to provide some defensive assignment issues for the Knicks.   

Even though the Sixers should score at will tonight, we’re not predicting a cake walk for the 7-6.  Obviously, Amare provides a glaring mismatch for the Sixers bigs.  So Amare will get his tonight.  That won’t be fun to watch and it should be enough to keep the Knicks within shouting distance.  However, unless he hits for 50 + down at the WFC, we don’t think his scoring can carry the Knicks to a win. 

Don’t try and convince us that onight the Knicks are going to successfully get out and run on the Sixers either.  As we have seen this season, the Sixers can go up and down the floor with any team in the League.  The difference is we also sprinkle in a solid defensive game whereas the Knicks do not (giving up 106 ppg. — 4^th worst in the League).

For a little more insight into the Grizzlies team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Mike Kurylo from KnickerBlogger.net to answer two questions on the Knicks from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this New York squad from an insider’s perspective.

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This Friday, snow-crazy edition of “Fo’ with the Foes” — Philadunkia’s advanced scouting series which with the help of an accomplished journalist from around the NBA beat or blog world, previews upcoming 76ers opponents — features tonight’s opponent victim, the Memphis Grizzlies.

Despite the Griz’s smooth offensive talents, their athleticism and the recent winning ways (5-3 in their last 8), we expect the Sixers to get a W tonight and establish their first four game winning streak of the season.  However, we don’t think it’s going to be an easy W tonight (Even though the 76ers have won six of the last seven meetings between these squads).

The major issue for the Sixers tonight will be containing Memphis bigs Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.  We all know that the Sixers struggle mightily with big men who can bang, rebound and score.  It just so happens that in Z-bo (20 & 13) and Gasol (11 & 7) the Grizzlies have two bigs who can do all of those three things and together they form one of the best big men duos in the League.  Additionally, Randolph is absolutely rolling right now.  He is coming off his 12th consecutive double-double (32 double-doubles on the season) with 20 points and 16 rebounds vs. the Nets on Wednesday.  Randolph is averaging 23.0 points and 14.7 rebounds during that 12-game stretch.  Gasol has been no slouch of late either.  In his last three runs, he’s hitting for 17.6 ppg. to go along with 10 rips per night.  We’ll need a major effort from Brand, Hawes and Speights to keep Zach and Gasol under wraps, but it is not an impossible task.

We imagine the Sixers game plan will be to try pressure the Memphis perimeter players so that they can then get out a run on the OJ Mayo-less, road weary (4 straight away games) Grizzlies.  The 7-6 should be able to do that successfully tonight as Memphis averages 14.4 turnovers a game.  Thus, if Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes and the new, “improved” Mo Speights can keep the Grizzlies’ two bigs from taking over the game, we love the Sixers chances of extending their win streak to four games. 

For a little more insight into the Grizzlies team the Sixers face tonight, we turn to our man Chip Crain from 3 Shades of Blue.com to answer two questions on the Grizzlies from us here at Philadunkia as well as provide us with two points of analysis on this Memphis squad from an insider’s perspective.

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