Can the Sixers make some noise in the NBA playoffs this season?
ESPN analyst (and longtime NBA coach) Jeff Van Gundy thinks so.
The former Rockets and Knicks coach has been high on the Sixers all season, and this week he went on "The Lowe Post" podcast hosted by ESPN's Zach Lowe. The topic of discussion -- which teams currently in the 5-10 range in the Eastern Conference standings could pose a threat to teams like the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors? Those two teams are currently seeded first and second, respectively.
Van Gundy mentioned both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Sixers.
I think you would have to say Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Philly is making the playoffs ... This idea that we don't know if Philly (is a playoff team)? Philly is a playoff team.
The Sixers were in the eighth and final playoff spot after Friday's win against the Pistons, but have been idle since then leading up to Thursday's 3 p.m. game against the Celtics in London. The Indiana Pacers have since usurped the Sixers eighth spot, dropping Philadelphia down to No. 9.
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Van Gundy's point of emphasis was star power -- Milwaukee has Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Sixers have Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
About the latter, Van Gundy said...
They've got two guys who are dominant players. Even though they're young and one's unhealthy, but they're dominant. I would suspect that either of those two teams (Milwaukee and Philadelphia) if you said they came home against a heavy favorite and it was 1-1 and they're playing home games? From 1-1? I wouldn't be surprised at all.
Van Gundy is specifically fond of Embiid because of his ability to carry the Sixers on offense. Embiid is averaging 23.8 points per game.
I think Philly's dangerous because they have a great player (with) ability to carry you offensively and that's so critical in a series. Especially if you're trying to upset somebody that has a superior record. I just think those two teams in the East are clearly the most talented 6-7-8-9 teams.
Van Gundy has raved about the Sixers on multiple occasions this season, going as far to say that he feels they could rise as high as the No. 4 or No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
His brother, on the other hand, has never been quite as fond of Philadelphia. Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy famously disrespected "The Process." Although, the Sixers have had their revenge -- Philadelphia is 3-0 against Detroit this season.
Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zsr1090@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.