Somewhere in between lies this season's Sixers team.
Right now, the concerns surround mainly the offense, which hasn't produced more than 99 points in the past 15 games. The loss of Spencer Hawes, who could be out for another couple of weeks with his strained Achilles', certainly has been a key factor, as the team is only 8-10 without him.
And then there is the painful thumb on Elton Brand's shooting hand that seems to get worse with every bang he encounters. He has shot only 38 percent from the floor the past five games. Add to that toll this condensed schedule, which seems to be taking on his 32-year-old legs, and the production that was expected from him just isn't there right now. Thaddeus Young has been terrific off the bench all season, but when you add him as a big man to a lineup that is dealing with an ailing Brand and no Hawes, along with rookies Nikola Vucevic and Lavoy Allen, teams know Young is the featured player they must stop, and he garners much of their attention.
The backcourt also has been a concern for coach Doug Collins lately, as point guard Jrue Holiday had been slumping with his offense before a nice, 20-point, five-assist performance in the loss at Minnesota. Jodie Meeks has been off lately, making only 10 of his last 32 shots in the past four games, and only two of his last 13 from three-point range. Sub Evan Turner has scored in double figures only once in the past 11 games.
So problems are arising. But Collins still has the utmost confidence in his team's resilience. Considering his players' youth, they are an exceptionally professional group that comes prepared every day; they don't allow losses or poor play to carry over to the next day.
Tonight, they'll face another tough matchup in the Memphis Grizzlies, before playing at Houston before the All-Star break.
