Showing posts with label Philadelphia 76ers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia 76ers. Show all posts
Saturday, October 31, 2009
POD: New York+2.5 (NBA) L
Saturday, October 31, 2009
POD: Philadelphia @ New York+2.5 (5K units) L
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
- Detroit+3.5 @ Milwaukee PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
- Dallas-2.5 @ LA Clippers
Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
POD: New York+2.5 (NBA) L
Saturday, October 31, 2009
POD: Philadelphia @ New York+2.5 (5K units) L
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
- Detroit+3.5 @ Milwaukee PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
- Dallas-2.5 @ LA Clippers
Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
POD: Orlando-8.5 (NBA) W
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
POD: Philadelphia @ Orlando-8.5 (5K units) W
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
- Indiana+8.5 @ Atlanta
- Cleveland-5.0 @ Toronto PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
- Charlotte @ Boston-10.0
- New York @ Miami-5.0
- Detroit-2.5 @ Memphis
- New Orleans+9.5 @ San Antonio
- New Jersey+1.5 @ Minnesota
- Utah @ Denver-6.5
- Houston @ Golden State-6.5
- Phoenix-2.0 @ LA Clippers
Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
POD: Orlando-8.5 (NBA) W
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
POD: Philadelphia @ Orlando-8.5 (5K units) W
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Other leans:
- Indiana+8.5 @ Atlanta
- Cleveland-5.0 @ Toronto PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
- Charlotte @ Boston-10.0
- New York @ Miami-5.0
- Detroit-2.5 @ Memphis
- New Orleans+9.5 @ San Antonio
- New Jersey+1.5 @ Minnesota
- Utah @ Denver-6.5
- Houston @ Golden State-6.5
- Phoenix-2.0 @ LA Clippers
Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
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