After going down late in the third quarter against those precocious Miami Heat(s), Nikola Vucevic is doubtful for tonight's game against the ferocious Washington Wizards. His injury is called a "left knee quad strain", which kind of just seems like four words grouped together, but I'm guessing it's legitimate and not a conspiracy.
That means that, with Spencer Hawes a game-time decision, the Sixers will be going to a heavy dose of Thaddeus Young and Elton Brand to man the front court against the ent-like Andray Blatche and Javale McGee. That's probably not great news for the Sixers' already mediocre rebounding numbers and, should the Wiz keep it close, it will be because of the Philadelphia rail-thinness inside.
Brace yourselves, we could be looking at a Tony Battie/Lavoy Allen tag team for a good chunk of this game. At least the Sixers have a relatively easy stretch ahead (four games at home against the four worst teams in the East), so should they choose to rest Hawes and Vuce to get them ready for the murderous run after the cakewalk, it might not be the worst idea.
UPDATE: And, seconds after I post this, CSN Philly reports both guys are out. Elton Brand is also a GTD with gastroenteritis, which without any research I can tell you to mean he's poopin' a lot. Break out your toilet paper because we're about to see about as much Battie as you can stomach. Craig Brackins, even? SPEEZY WHERE R U?!
0 recs | 21 comments
Hawes is out & we might not have EB
KJ Brophy - January 23, 2012
Thanks, just saw.
Michael Levin - January 23, 2012
This team needs another big in the worst way. For as good as Hawes was early on not being able to stay on the court killing this team and his value.
xEgan - January 23, 2012
The other issue
Is that with everyone hurt ,Thad, Brand, etc. are gonna get worn out both from playing more often and from banging inside more than usual. So…yeah, this isn’t good.
Drew1750 - January 23, 2012
yea i just read this on csn also.
lavoy allen and craig brackens will probably see time as a 4/5 combo in the 2nd half after coach collins goes to his trusted lineup of young/brand in the frontcourt.
although the combo of battie/allen wasn’t exactly horrible the other night in south beach. we dont have to put up with a heavy load on the block such as bosh tonight so i still love how we look in this one.
J.Michael Woodson - January 23, 2012
Yes. Yes it was.
Michael Levin - January 23, 2012
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
/McGinnis’d
dp - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Help me, Rasheed Wallace, you’re our only hope.
Blunt Philly Guy - January 23, 2012 via iPhone app
That’s disheartening.
Michael Levin - January 23, 2012
Three Words:
Greg Ostertag, baby!!!!!
FooFighter1124 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Scott Schroeder is so happy.
Michael Levin - January 23, 2012
I thought Ostertag was just fat and out of shape. Now I feel bad.
nyunole - January 23, 2012
Is Varejao for Nocioni and the 2 2nd rounders we got for Speezy even somewhat possible? It’s looking good right now.
Dpez71 - January 23, 2012
I would assume the Cavs could get something much better for Varejao, but that would obviously be a great move for the Sixers in my opinion.
Drew1750 - January 23, 2012
I highly doubt the Cavs make that trade. Nocioni is just an expiring contract for them, and they already have one in Antawn Jamison. I also am not a fan of Varejao contract
The Mad Hopper - January 23, 2012
Run Turner at the 4 spot…he’ll have a double double at half and than sit the rest of the game in favor of Lavoy Allen.
E.T.23 - January 23, 2012
Tonite the guys have to be very focused, especially defensively, to avoid a big disappointment
apfan - January 23, 2012
just got a call
im suiting up guys!
but seriously who is the tallest guy on the boards im 6’4 and would probably look like a SF out there
we need you!
DaaaBirdsDaBirds - January 23, 2012
Isn’t TK around the same height?
Michael Levin - January 23, 2012
Should of kept
PhiladelphiaEagles - January 23, 2012
Where did you go, Mr. Dalembert?
If only we could get a center like Sammy. Here’s the line on his most recent six games for Houston: 14.7 points, 11.3 boards, 2.7 blocks. Oh. And 3.7 fouls per game, too. At least we know he won’t be launching any 3s.
Thad better re-find his defensive form.
We’ll have to play some small ball, but we should still be able to win all four of these games.
CJ Stuff - January 23, 2012
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