The Essentials:
76ers (5-8) vs. Wizards (3-9)
7 p.m.
Verizon Center
TV: CSN
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Notable early 76ers numbers this season
25th in expected winning percentage (.341)
22nd in pace (91.6 possessions per game)
T21st in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (103.9)
24th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (108.9)
Notable 76ers numbers last season
15th in expected winning percentage (.503)
21st in pace (90 possessions per game)
19th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (107.9)
14th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (107.8)
Pre-game links
Liberty Ballers, SB Nation's 76ers Blog
Philadunkia, a 76ers blog
Depressed Fan, a 76ers blog
Deep Sixer with Philadelphia Inquirer Beat Reporter Kate Fagan
Outlet: Eddie Jordan surprised by Wizards' struggles
Michael Lee: The Other Side: 76ers
GameDay 76ers
| Tonight's Projected Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| 76ers | vs. | Wizards |
| Louis Williams | PG | Gilbert Arenas |
| Andre Iguodala | SG | Nick Young |
| Thaddeus Young | SF | Antawn Jamison |
| Elton Brand | PF | Fabricio Oberto |
| Samuel Dalembert | C | Brendan Haywood |
UPDATE: No Caron Butler tonight. In his place, Fabricio Oberto will start as the Wizards go big.
I'm not even sure it's appropriate to play this game, let alone write a preview for it. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for the coach and the players. Sure, they didn't have the closest relationship with Abe Pollin, but how can you not be affected when your ultimate boss passes away? For pre-game listening, check out the second half of this week's Dagger Report, where we talk to Jordan Sams from Liberty Ballers.
No word yet on Caron Butler's status. I'll update when I hear anything.
I'd normally be attending this one in person, but I'm heading out of town verrrryyyy early tomorrow morning, so I'm not going tonight. It's really unfortunate too - I would have been very interested in covering tonight's game. Several members of the Washington Sports and Entertainment office - including Ernie Grunfeld, Executive VP Matt Williams and CFO Peter Biche - are being made available to the media, as are Phil Chenier and Wes Unseld. It promises to be a very emotional night and game at the Verizon Center, particularly because Eddie Jordan is also going to be here.
I'll be watching on TV, but if you're there, please let me know what the atmosphere was like.
GO WIZARDS!