Philadelphia 76ers short western trip of large importance

The Philadelphia 76ers spoiled Christmas in New York City by defeating the New York Knicks 105-98. A short, yet crucial, three-game western swing ensues.

Behind a resurgent 24 points from JJ Redick and a flashy 25 points and 16 rebounds from Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers were able to outlast the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Christmas afternoon, 105-98. The Sixers had lost five straight and nine of ten coming into the Atlantic division clash.

Sitting at 15-18, the Sixers have slipped to the tenth seed in the Eastern Conference, still two and a half games behind the Miami Heat for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Sixers win over New York was Philly’s first win inside the division this season.

However, even though the victory seemed like a breath of fresh air for a struggling locker room, the Sixers upcoming three games on the west coast are of paramount importance.

The Sixers western swing starts out against the Portland Trail Blazers and then continues against the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns in back-to-back fashion. Here’s why this yearly Western Conference holiday trek is so crucial for Coach Brett Brown and company.

Relative Past Success

Despite the Sixers major struggles in recent seasons, compared to other opponents the Sixers have enjoyed relative success against the Trail Blazers, Nuggets and Suns alike.

(Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers

The Sixers have already picked apart Portland this year by 20 (!!!) points at home, one point shy of the biggest blowout win the team has had so far this season.

Last season, the Sixers split two games with Portland, with the loss coming in overtime on the road. Even in a 10-win 2015-16 campaign, the Sixers-Trail Blazers split included a 25-point Sixers win.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets

The Sixers and Nuggets have yet to duel this season. However, last season the clubs split, with the Sixers W coming on this same road trip in late December 2016. Further back, in Philly’s abysmal 2015-16 season, the two Denver wins over the Sixers were decided by only three points and one point, respectively.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns

As for the Suns, Philly had one disappointing home loss to their squad earlier this season. Suns guard Devin Booker exploded for 46 points in that battle.

The Sixers were 3-1 in their last four games against the Suns prior to Booker’s barrage. This included a season sweep of 2-0 over Phoenix during the Sixers’ 10-win 2015-16 season previously mentioned.

Yes, 20 percent of the Sixers wins two seasons ago came against the Suns.

I say relative success because, although the records against these three squads aren’t flashy, the Sixers at their worst always had a chance to beat Portland, Denver, and Phoenix.

With a much more talented squad than in years past and a record crammed in the grey-area of the East’s playoff picture, the Sixers need to pick up these three wins.

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Looking Over the Horizon and Across the Pond

After this three-game Western swing, the Sixers schedule takes a turn. The Sixers will get to breathe for a couple days and come home to face the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. Both of those squads look like possible top four seeds in their respective conferences.

Not easy.

More from Philadelphia 76ers

Then, the Sixers will have only one game in the next nine days: a meeting with the Boston Celtics in London. That Celtics game is the top part of an Atlantic division schedule sandwich: games against the Toronto Raptors and then the Celtics again ensue.

The Sixers have struggled mightily against both the Celtics and the Raptors in recent memory. This season, the Sixers are already 0-3 against the Raptors and 0-2 against the Celtics.

If the Sixers were to struggle on this three-game west coast trip, this slate against these two foes could prove possibly even more toxic to Philly’s record.

Not to mention, the Sixers would prefer to rack up some confidence boosting road-wins before making a long trip across the pond to London.

Philadelphia 76ers /

Turnover Relief

In a recent article, I spoke about the Sixers turnover struggles this season. Although less than the norm of late, the Sixers still turned the ball over 15 times in their win over New York.

I would like to see that number go down, as would many other fans. These three games out west may be a prime opportunity.

According to ESPN stats, the Trail Blazers (27^th) and Suns (29^th) are both towards the bottom of the NBA in opponent turnovers per game. However, Denver (10^th) is a closer to the middle of the pack.

Nonetheless, if there was a time for the Sixers to band together and fight these turnover woes, the next three games may be the best time for it.

The Sixers will face the Trail Blazers Thursday, December 28^th at 10:30 ET on TNT. According to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian, Trail Blazers star, Damian Lillard looks to return to the floor after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Next: Holiday Turnovers: Why do the Philadelphia 76ers keep turning the ball over?

Let’s hope another winning streak starts to build.