Sixers Podcast: Harden flirts with Houston and back to back with Miami

The podcast returns after a blowout win in Miami against the Heat 119-96. The Philadelphia 76ers were in command from the start and it was even more impressive with Joel Embiid sidelined due to left foot soreness. Tyrese Maxey was input into the starting lineup and PJ Tucker started at the center position to round out a ‘small ball’ lineup for Doc Rivers.

Jonathan Geib and Christopher Kline give their perspective on the 76ers’ impressive win and discuss the stark contrast to the loss two nights prior on their home floor to the Miami Heat 101-99. In this first matchup, the starters looked lethargic and unmotivated and the only real bright spot was Maxey lighting it up off the bench. The duo discusses if these two Heat games are a sign Maxey is back on track and out of his recent slump.

The next topic talked about is if James Harden could seriously leave Philly this summer to return to the Houston Rockets. Why would Harden want to go from a title contender to potentially the worst team in the league? Chris and Jonathan have some strong takes on this rumor, which appears to be gaining legitimate momentum and credibility as of late. And if Harden does decide to leave, where does that leave the Sixers? How can they remain competitive and replace Harden’s productivity?

The group closes out the podcast by diving deeper into the Matisse Thybulle trade that landed the 76ers Jalen McDaniels. Thybulle has been shooting uncharacteristically lights out in his first five games with the Portland Trailblazers. Is this just a honeymoon period with his new team or is it possible Doc Rivers did not give Thybulle the opportunity to develop and become the best version of himself? And how can the Sixers get more out of Jalen McDaniels?

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