This could be a troubling time for Sixers
Sixers get blown out in Milwaukee in fourth game in five nights. But is this team on the verge of a struggle.
When the Sixers got blown out in Milwaukee Saturday night, the initial reaction is not one of surprise. It was the Sixers fourth game in five nights, came a day after they won an emotional game against Boston and started a string of five-straight road games.
For all those reasons, the 102-74 loss to the Bucks was somewhat understandable. Those type of games happen in the NBA.
But there are some concerns surrounding the team. Elton Brand has been playing with a splint on his right (shooting) pinkie for close to a week now, and the other night was sporting a bandage on the back of his left hand to protect it after he banged it hard in Wednesday's loss to Oklahoma City.
Also, super sub Thaddeus Young appears to be struggling of late, making just six of his last 24 shots. More than that, Young appears to be a little sluggish. Perhaps all the minutes that coach Doug Collins has had to get from him are starting to wear him down a bit. The Sixers have also been turning the ball over a lot lately, including 21 against Milwaukee.
The team took the day off today. They'll have a shootaround tomorrow before facing the Jazz in Utah. Time off might be just what the team needed to rest weary bones and let injuries heal a little bit. The week includes Utah on Monday, the Clippers on Wednesday, Sacramento and Portland on Friday and Saturday.
They'll quickly have to right the ship. Perhaps Saturday's loss was due to the reasons stated above. Or maybe injuries and some sluggishness are starting to creep in. This week should tell.
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