Could youngsters give tired Sixers a lift?

TORONTO -- The 76ers are in a major funk, having lost five in a row and now 15-22 on the season so maybe it's time for a desperate team to try desperate measures.

Since returning from the eight-game road trip over the holidays, all the Sixers have talked about is how tired they are.

So why not try and infuse some young legs into the lineup?

That would be the two rookies, guard Maalik Wayns and forward-center Arnett Moultrie.

The two were DNP Coaches Decisions in Wednesday's 90-72 loss at Toronto.

This is not saying that two players who haven't  seen much time will turn the fortunes around, but can it hurt?

Wayns is on a 10-day contract and Moultrie has already spent time in the D-League so neither is probably looked as a quick fix.

Yet it can't hurt. Wayns can bring two things the Sixers are sorely lacking – energy and speed.

We don't know what Moultrie brings because there hasn't been a big enough sample, but the Sixers loved his motor while competing at Mississippi State.

Right now the Sixers are in an offensive slump. While neither of these two will be looked on a big scorers, they might help the Sixers run the court and possibly get some easy baskets.

Against Toronto, the Sixers had three fast break points.

Right now the offense is depending too much on Jrue Holiday and while he is playing at an extremely  high level, there has to be some help along the way.

Because there aren't many viable options, Holiday and Evan Turner have to play extremely well for the Sixers to have a chance these days.

They were a combined 11 for 33 from the field against the Raptors.

Toronto, meanwhile had plenty of energy, a young vibrant team that the Sixers used to. Now even their young guys look bushed.

When asked after the Toronto loss how it feels to not have a game until Saturday (against Houston) and to have Thursday off from practice, Holiday couldn't contain his excitement.

"It's going to feel awesome," he said. "I can't wait"

Then here was the kicker.

"I am 22 and feel banged up," Holiday said.

If the best player feels this way, imagine the rest of the team. That is why the Sixers should try anything to jumpstart the team. Giving some meaningful minutes to two rookies, is worth a try because little else is working at this point.

-Marc Narducci