2024-2025 76ers' GDT#68: 3/17/25 76ers(23-44) @ Rockets(43-25) - 8pm

[BelmontShore]

76ers(23-44) @ Rockets(43-25) Preview

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76ers' Starting Five:
Edwards SF
Brissett PF
Grimes SG
Council Jr SG
Downtin Jr PG

Referees:

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus

[BelmontShore]

I've advocated for Morey to get canned but I have to give him credit for what he's done to transition the 76ers into a younger, quicker more athletic unit with a deft trade deadline deal to get Grimes but especially using 10 day deals and signing guys off the radar. He still has a blind spot for 6-9, 6-10 athletic freaks but Reese and Bona have shown some promise.

Right now they're taking apart the 43 win Rockets in their own building.

[BelmontShore]

Rockets making their run and our young 76ers have frozen up a bit. A lot less ball movement and tougher shots being taken. They also have zero rim protection and I don't know where Bona is.

Ahh. Bona is out with an ankle injury.

[BelmontShore]

Rockets are the real deal.

Completely erased the 76ers' huge halftime lead by the end of the 3rd Q.

Tied 102.

76ers' ball flow has completely stopped.

[Gennosuke]

76ers had an 8 pt lead with a minute left, but the Rockets storm back to tie the game on an intentionally missed free throw and putback to send the game to OT.

[BelmontShore]

I don't even know who these dudes are but they are more entertaining than the regular 76ers have been for years. They're still not big enough because Morey refused to sign anyone over 6-8 with any skill but he's added a number of live bodies 6-3 to 6-7.

They're taking the 43 win Rockets to OT where it will help greatly if they lose in a valiant effort so they can secure that top 6 pick.

Best of all worlds.

[BelmontShore]

Grimes is unbelievable.

He really does have to improve his FT shooting because can't be a late game finisher without being able to knock down FTs.

[Gennosuke]

Grimes with a career high 46 pts.

[BelmontShore]

Loved the effort but love the loss more.

With a win, the 76ers rise to tie Toronto for the 7th worst record and be in position to lose their 1st rd pick. With the loss, they tie Brooklyn for the 5th. New Orleans has 18 wins, 76ers have 23. Tough to reach 4th, NO isn't helping.

[BelmontShore]

Grimes, McCann and some of these other young guards have me considering something I never thought I'd say or think and that's trading Maxey this summer for picks or a high quality 6-9 or 6-10 athletic PF.

A McCann/Grimes backcourt might be a nice starting duo.