Sixer Malaise, Bobcats in Rear View Mirror, Pitt's Tourney Chances

Sixer Malaise

The Sixer win over the Raptors Wednesday night comes under the dog bites man category. But the home team needs any kind of win right now, so they can't be too fussy over the caliber of the competition. Likewise, Sam Dalembert had a monster night, for him, 18 pts and 13 rb, but against pretty much phantom opposition. But it shows how important he can be for the team, particularly when Miller and Iguodala are having sub-par nights. For reasons which are not altogether clear, this Sixer team just does not seem as dangerous as they appeared 4-6 weeks ago. They are not as energetic, perhaps because the two Andres - their two most important players - are pretty banged up. The team's defense is spotty and yes, their outside shooting deficiencies keeping resurfacing. At times, Andre Miller looks like their most reliable shooter and that's not a good sign.

It's been said over and over again but the Sixers have to run if they're going to make any noise in the next couple of months. To fully exploit Thaddeus Young and Iguodala, they should be filling the lanes. And if the break isn't there, they should push the ball up anyway. They should be doing this on every possession but it's not happening, not even close.

Bobcats in the Rear View Mirror

Charlotte is a hot team and has moved into the playoff picture. While it's very unlikely, if the Sixers collapse, the Bobcats could catch or surpass them. It would be both ironic and embarrassing if Larry Brown's crew was to upstage his old team.

Pitt's Tournament Chances

The University of Pittsburgh has had another outstanding season under Jamie Dixon. He, like Jay Wright, does a remarkable job without the benefit of the top heavy talent at the likes of North Carolina and Connecticut. Pitt hasn't gotten past the Sweet 16 in recent years but this year they are projected #1 seed and many are predicting them to be a Final 4 team. I hope they're right, but I don't think so. They just don't have a margin for error as they are small and depend so heavily on Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and Levance Fields. But Blair is prone to foul trouble and Fields is hurting. Young is their best player and a real blue chipper, but unless they get exceptional production from their role players like Wanamaker and Dixon, too much pressure will be put on Young to carry the offense. Of course, much depends on brackets and match-ups, but I think this very likeable group of overachievers will come up a little short, again. Unfortunately, last night's loss to West Virginia in the Big East Tournament only reinforces this thinking.