Here’s A Game-By-Game Prediction of the Sixers Bubble Season
Bubble Season is almost upon us! The NBA is back and so too are the 76ers. So, we decided to preview their schedule and predict how they will fare in the 8 games before the playoffs.
These predictions take into account the news of Ben Simmons being moved to the power forward spot permanently.
Game 1: Indiana Pacers (August 1st)
The possible addition of Victor Oladipo could change the outcome of this opening game, but without him, the Sixers should win this handedly. It will be an interesting first game at power forward for Simmons, as he’ll be matched up against All-Star Demontis Sabonis. This is a tough, well coached, defensive team but without much scoring punch, this should be a win for Philly.
Game 2: San Antonio Spurs (August 3rd)
Bubble or no bubble, a game against the Spurs should never be taken lightly. However, they will be playing without their star power forward Lamarcus Aldridge, out for the season following shoulder surgery. This gives Philly an immediate advantage inside with Embiid and now Simmons. Demar Derozan and co. will give Josh Richardson and Simmons a handful on the perimeter, but it won’t be enough to
take down Philly. Another W to the Sixers.
Game 3: Washington Wizards (Aug 5th)
The first no brainer on the schedule. The 24-40 wizards, even WITH All-Star Bradley, would be hard pressed to give the Sixers much of a challenge. With him sitting out on the restart, they don’t stand a chance. Sixers win this one in a blowout.
Game 4: Orlando Magic (Aug 7th)
This matchup is not as cut and dry as one would think. The Magic might sit nine games back of the Sixers in 8th place, they present plenty of tough matchups all over the floor for Philly. They have long, athletic defenders everywhere you look, not to mention a certain former #1 overall pick who could be looking to prove something against his former team. In the end, Philly should pull this one out, but don’t be surprised if there’s an upset in Disney.
Game 5: Portland Trailblazers (Aug. 9th)
One thing has been true about the Sixers for the last few seasons: they struggle to defend elite guards. Portland sports two of the best guards in the league with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Throw in big man Hassan Whiteside and a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony, the Blazers have a roster built to take down Philly. The edge here goes to Portland.
Game 6: Phoenix Suns (Aug. 11th)
Another should be gimme here for Philly. The Suns got off to a surprising start to the season and slowly regressed back to what we’re accustomed to seeing from them. Philadelphia undoubtably has the better roster top to bottom, but Phoenix has two rising superstars in Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton who are capable of carrying them any given night. If even one of them has an off night, this one goes to the 76ers.
Game 7: Toronto Raptors (Aug. 12th)
This game will serve as a measuring stick to see how the Sixers fare against the East’s elite before the playoffs begin. Toronto, the 2nd seed in the East, have proved all the doubters wrong who said they would fall off after losing Kawhi Leonard. They are a deep, talented, and extremely well coached team. As a potential playoff matchup, this will be a huge game for the Sixers to prove to themselves that they can compete with the best. For that reason, the Sixers take this one, as it will be a much more important game to them then it will be for Toronto.
Game 8: Houston Rockets (Aug 14th)
The final game before the playoffs, don’t expect Philly to go all out. It would not be surprising if a few players sat out. Houston’s commitment to small ball is well documented and should cause the Sixers all types of problems whether or not everyone plays. As is the case with many of Houston’s games, this will be a shootout, which gives them the advantage. The final game goes to Houston.
Conclusion:
If our prediction holds true, the Sixers will go 6-2 in the bubble. This should be enough to overtake Indiana to enter the postseason as the 5 seed. Seeding will certainly be a focus, but expect all eyes to be on how the Sixers play with Ben Simmons at power forward. It’s a move that has already been met with applause, but it is yet to be seen how much it will change their prospects moving forward.