Devon Givens- Sixers vs Knicks Preview
Game two of the Philadelphia 76ers’ three-game homestand tonight hosting their Atlantic Division rival – the New York Knicks.
The Sixers (4-5) are back on the floor after a 121-11 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The Knicks (3-4) visit town following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, also on Wednesday, 111-99. Philadelphia takes the floor tonight after finding out their star point guard – James Harden – will be out at least a month after suffering a right foot strain in Monday’s loss. The 76ers will look to replace his nightly 22 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. It will need to be a collective effort to make up that kind of production.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will have the most eyes on them to make sure this season does not go in the wrong direction. Embiid has missed the last two games due to a non-COVID illness… it has been mentioned as simply flu-like symptoms for the All-Star big man. In order to keep this team on pace to be one of the best teams in the East, Embiid will certainly need to be on the floor. Maxey has been brilliant through the first nine games, averaging 24 points per game while shooting just below 52 percent from the field and a sizzling 46.8 percent from behind the three-point line on six-plus attempts a night. While the scoring for Maxey is not a problem, attention will shift his way on how he helps run the team with Harden out.
De’Anthony Melton seems like the obvious choice to have his playing time increased with the open spot in the starting five. Melton is no stranger to starting games when called upon – he started 15 games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season when his number was called. Expect both he and Maxey to run the team in Harden’s absence. Maybe we’ll see a little more of Shake Milton also.
Friday night hoops with two division rivals, both looking to get things on track – competitive basketball should be on full display.
