#56: PHI @ GSW 2/23/10

PreThoughts

Tonight's game features the rare opponent that can match the Warriors in chaos. The Sixers have been switching schemes, trying to dump Iguodalas, and alternating brilliant games with wretched ones. They've recorded a twelve-game losing streak and a five-game winning streak, something few teams can say. And in their last three games, they've lost to the Heat by 27, beaten the Spurs by 12, and lost to the Bulls by 32. If you can figure them out, more power to you.

This matchup resulted in a memorably ugly game last time around, as the Dubs lost big and got out-rebounded by an NBA season-high 33. But tonight features a different cast of characters on both sides. The Warriors have replaced Mikki, Vlad, Randolph and Maggette with Biedrins, Tolliver and (probably) Ronny... it's hard to imagine they'll struggle that badly on the boards again. The Sixers have Lou Williams in place of Iverson, a swap that'll make the Golden State guards' jobs tougher, as both his style and his numbers are reminiscent of Monta's better, Baron-era play. Curry & Monta vs. Lou & Jrue is a midget tag-team match that could headline Arena Mexico.

The Sixers don't do anything all that well on either end, so it's a thoroughly winnable game. But with these two enigmatic teams, who knows -- a 30-point blowout win by either wouldn't be all that surprising.

Warrior To Watch: Stephen Curry. Would be nice to see him string a couple great games in a row.

Sixer To Watch: Andre Iguodala. You've thought about trading Monta for him... let's see how they fare against each other tonight.

PostThoughts -- Sixers 110, Warriors 102

Cold shooting, no plan, no chance... the late run was due to Sixer apathy, not inspired Warrior defense. Nothing to see here.

Well, one thing to see, actually: that's Andris Biedrins over there, in Don Nelson's doghouse! Andris has indeed gotten too tentative on offense, and maybe some tough love is indeed in order. But you won't find many pot-kettle-black situations purer than Nellie calling someone out for a lack of spark.

Chris Hunter had another nice game. Here's hoping he's done enough to stick in the league somewhere next year, because he's a likeable guy.

At this stage in a lost season, heading into a lottery with a monster prize, it's hard to even know what to root for on a given night. But I definitely wasn't rooting for this.