What he's not really sure about is how his Atlantic Division-leading team stacks up against the powerhouses of the league. It's not the fault of Collins or his team that 11 of their wins have come against teams with losing records. Many of them have been of the blowout variety, prompting fans to wonder if they can win close games. On their way to a 3-13 start last season, they found ways to lose close games to bad teams in unthinkable fashion. This year, they're not losing close games to bad teams - the Sixers are simply blowing them out, rarely leaving the outcome in question.
After Friday's not-as-close-as-the-score-indicated 89-72 romp over the Charlotte Bobcats, Collins spoke of his team needing to change things up a little bit, to get out on a road trip. After Saturday's blowout over the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers had played 12 of 15 games at the Wells Fargo Center.
They will be home for six of their next seven games, too, but the complacency that Collins fears will be as thoroughly wiped out as most of the Sixers' home opponents.
Tonight, Wednesday and Friday the Sixers will host, in order, the Orlando Magic, the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. After a Saturday game at Atlanta, they will then do the Monday-Wednesday-Friday thing at home, this time against the Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Clippers. All teams with winning records. All teams capable of making long runs in the playoffs. All teams the Sixers need to know if they are on a par with.
This season is a strange one. Because of the condensed schedule, inconsistent play and injuries have led to uncertainties about teams' identities. The Sixers are no different.
