Sixers Notes: Doug Collins is not a fan of 76ers' unbalanced schedule

By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: January 11, 2013

TORONTO - The 76ers will play 12 of their next 13 games at the Wells Fargo Center, but coach Doug Collins doesn't see that as a positive. Collins feels the unbalanced schedule is too extreme.

The Sixers completed an eight-game road trip over the holidays. Earlier this season they played eight of nine at home, and in April they will finish with seven of their final nine games on the road.

"I hate the schedule that is so top-heavy home and on the road," Collins said before Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. "A guy could roll an ankle and miss 10 home games, and where are you?"

The Sixers were 2-6 on their holiday road trip before returning home for Tuesday's 109-89 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The schedule "is absolutely brutal," he said. "In 40 years in the NBA, I have never seen one like it."

Casey lauds Holiday

Count Raptors coach Dwane Casey as a huge fan of Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday.

"To me, he is playing like an all-star," Casey said. "He is one of the top point guards in the East."

Enjoying Toronto

Former Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski is in his second season as executive vice president of basketball operations for the Raptors. Toronto entered Wednesday 12-22 but has played better since a 4-19 start.

Stefanski likes the Raptors' young talent but wishes they would have better luck in the injury department. Andrea Bargnani missed his 13th consecutive game with a torn right elbow ligament. Injuries aside, Stefanski is enjoying his time in Toronto.

"This is a world-class city, and the people are really friendly here," Stefanski said. "If we can win on a consistent level, we will blow the roof off this place because we get 18,000 people, and we are struggling."