Game Preview- Sixers vs Suns
The Philadelphia 76ers (4-6) begin a four-game week beginning tonight. They host the top team in the Western Conference – the Phoenix Suns (7-2). The surprising Utah Jazz sit at the top of the West with the Suns tied for first place.
The Sixers desperately need to get on track and find their stride. They have not looked anything like the teams in the past that have reached over 50 wins on the season, and simply don’t look like the team we thought they would be after the acquisitions from the offseason. Philadelphia will get a much-needed boost in the lineup when All-NBA center Joel Embiid suits up tonight. Embiid has missed the last three contests due to an illness (non-COVID related). The team lost two of the three games while he was sidelined. His presence will certainly be felt now that he’s back in the lineup.
Phoenix is a very well-coached team and will test the 76ers. Led by All-NBA guard Devin Booker (27 ppg), they like to get out into the open floor and try to create easy buckets when the opportunity presents itself. On offense, the Suns are very unselfish with the basketball as they look for the best possible shot available in half-court sets before having to go to a one-on-one situation.
Phoenix did suffer a major blow to their lineup last Friday at home against the Trail Blazers as third-year forward Cam Johnson injured his right knee, left the game, and did not return. Johnson will now have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in that knee. Suns forward Jae Crowder has not been with the team this season due to his unhappiness with his role and is seeking a trade. Their depth will be tested going forward. Veteran forward Torrey Craig looks to be the favorite to jump into the starting lineup for Johnson.
This will be the first of two matchups between the Sixers and Suns. Phoenix swept the season series last campaign in two highly competitive games. Should be a fun one tonight at the Penn Medicine Court at The Center.
