The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers remain road warriors – game by game analysis

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 10: Head coach Brett Brown (center left) talks with Nik Stauskas #11, T.J. McConnell #1 (center right) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a timeout against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 10, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers won 120-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 10: Head coach Brett Brown (center left) talks with Nik Stauskas #11, T.J. McConnell #1 (center right) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a timeout against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 10, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers won 120-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 14: Dario Saric
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 14: Dario Saric /

Philadelphia 76ers (6-5) at Golden State Warriors (8-4)

In perhaps the meeting of the NBA future against the NBA present, this will be a game to set the recorder for. Even if the Philadelphia 76ers lose by a blowout, the sheer philosophical differences will be worth digesting and analyzing for years to come. Small ball versus tall ball. But will it truly come down to that?

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Which NBA player has played the most games without making the playoffs?
Which NBA player has played the most games without making the playoffs? /

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    • The Golden State Warriors will be small ball, yes. But the Sixers history against the Warriors is to gear down to small ball as well.  And while the team has not won any games against Golden State recently (but honestly, that can be said about most NBA teams), they did get close. A two-point margin in 2017, a three-point margin in 2016, and a five-point margin in 2015. That may not sound like much, but these were contests of the best in the NBA against one of the worst teams in the NBA.

    Closer still

    While the 76ers have not won a game against the Warriors, this year could find a change. The difference maker is the return of Markelle Fultz. If he can return in time for this game, the Philadelphia 76ers could launch a small ball version of the roster which could surprise Golden State.  Fultz, McConnell, Jerryd Bayless, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Nik Stauskas, J.J. Redick, Furkan Korkmaz and Justin Anderson could all rotate in the backcourt while the team plays a Dario Saric / Ben Simmons / Robert Covington rotation in the front court.

    Albeit, the starting lineup will include Joel Embiid, but switching to a small ball version could be enough to throw the Golden State Warriors off their rhythm.  In last year’s near win, the Philadelphia 76ers had incredible production from Dario Saric, Jahlil Okafor, and Richaun Holmes. This season, you can substitute Ben Simmons, Richaun Holmes, T.J. McConnell, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Markelle Fultz as players who could lead the 76ers to a win.

    I don’t see Fultz coming back to play in time for this game. Therefore, I don’t see a 76ers win

    108. 41. 107. 93. Final