Generation Eddie and the 5-8 Sixers will try to beat the injury-
ailing Wizards at home tonight, exactly one year after
Coach Jordan was fired by Washington due to a dismal
1-10 season start in 2008-09. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The 3-9 Washington Wizards will host former Head Coach Eddie Jordan and the 5-8 Philadelphia 76ers tonight in the first season meeting between the two teams. Will Andre Iguodala lead the Sixers to victory on the road or will Washington defend their homecourt for a much needed win?
Both the Sixers and the Wizards enter tonight's game having lost two straight. Ironically, both teams lost games last Friday and Saturday, after a much needed Wednesday win at home (Washington beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia beat the Charlotte Bobcats).
Both teams have a new coach this season, and a major injury to deal with as well. Mike Miller will be out for Washington for up to five weeks after straining his calf Saturday in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs, while Marreese Speights tore his MCL and won't be back for the Sixers until January at the earliest.
Due to the team injuries, and the losses that come from injuries, the Wizards have begun to squabble a bit amongst themselves. Why Gilbert Arenas is starting a beef with Caron Butler is beyond me, and Brendan Haywood wrote a rebuttal about the Gilbert situation, however, Washington is going to need to string together a few wins to settle the team, and Gil the heel, down.
As NBATV personality Rick Kamla said in his latest rant, which is a must-listen, Washington needs to just put the ball in the bucket. How? Well, that's up to Flip and Gil.
Butler is probable for tonight's game after some swelling in his ankle last weekend, and he will need Dominic McGuire to clock a few minutes in order to help the Wizards defend against Andre Iguodala, who is averaging 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game this season. With Mike Miller out, Nick Young is expected to start at shooting guard. Young is only playing 7.3 minutes per game this season and hasn't found a sweet spot on Flip's roster.
Tonight's game will air at 7:00 p.m. ET on Comcast SportsNet, nationally on NBA League Pass, and on 106.7 The Fan via radio or Internet stream.
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Comments
Very sad news for the Wizards. Reports indicate Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin has reportedly died at the age of 85 earlier today. He is survived by wife Irene Pollin. I'll have more on this story as the facts are made present.
Washington escapes an open three point opp. by Lou Williams, 108-107. I'll give credit to D Steve just for being in the game. Jamison 32 & 14, N Young 20, Gil 17 and 8 asts, 6 turnovers, Blatche 14 off bench. Lou Williams 26 pts, T. Young 23. More tomorrow, and more on the passing of Abe Pollin, which made tonight's already emotional contest even tougher for the veterans of the team. Also, Butler was a DNP on that ankle.
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