Sixers Look to Stop Skid

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Sixers enter tonight’s game riding a four-game losing streak, their longest of the season. This recent slump could simply be a product of mid-season fatigue. This lockout season has definitely taken its toll, even on this young, athletic team. What looked like a stellar first half a couple weeks ago, now looks a little closer to mediocre. Either way, it would be great to pick up a win tonight in Houston and enter the All Star break on a positive note.

Houston enters the game just one game back of the Sixers’ pace. They are tremendous at home with a 13-4 record and are loaded with young, versatile talent, just like the Sixers. However, the Sixers enter the game having won their last four games in Houston and 7 of the last 8 overall. Whatever it is, the Sixers seem to have the Rockets’ number as of late. The Sixers will definitely have to get the offense going tonight against a soft Houston defense that allows over 96 points per game.

Keys to the Game

In this game, the keys of the game really come down to individual match-ups. The Rockets rely heavily on three starters and limiting their impact on the game could be the key to a big Sixers’ win.

1. Andre Iguodala vs. Kevin Martin: Martin has been Houston’s go-to guy all year offensively. He racks up over 18 points per game and influences the game in all phases, similar to what Iggy does for the Sixers. At the same time, Andre is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA and will be making an appearance in Orlando this weekend on the All Star roster. Iguodala has to have one of those dominant defensive performances with balanced stats for the Sixers (10 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast).

2. Elton Brand vs. Luis Scola: This is a really tough match-up for an aging Elton Brand. However, he has been impressive when put in one-on-one situations with some of the league’s elite this season. At the very least, he needs to keep Scola from getting in rhythm. If Scola gets his jumper going early and gets to the foul line often, he could go for 20+ points and be the difference maker.

3. Jrue Holiday vs. Kyle Lowry: This is a really interesting test for Jrue Holiday. Lowry comes into this one red hot, having dropped 24 points and a couple game-winning free throws against the Grizzlies on Monday. Not to mention, he torched the Sixers for 36 points this time last year, hitting on 15 of 18 shots from the field. That definitely can not happen if the Sixers want to win this game. Jrue has to play smart basketball. He has to get up on Lowry defensive while also limiting the amount of bad shots he takes on offense.

Section 215′s Prediction 

After a string of bad and unfortunate losses, I look for this team to bounce back here. It is a very tough matchup on the road, but I like the Sixers’ chances tonight. Doug Collins will have these guys pumped up and ready to go, closing out the first half strong. I look for Lou Williams to embrace the matchup with Lowry later in the game and drain a few big fourth quarter buckets. Also, Iguodala should have a big game in preparation for his All Star appearance this weekend. Final Score: Sixers 103, Rockets 99.

Tags: Andre Iguodala, Doug Collins, Elton Brand, Jrue Holiday, Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry, Lou Williams, Luis Scola, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers