The Final Answer [1st round vs Orlando Magic]

[Absynthe]

Thanks Cruzzer!

76ers on the Lookout for a Center



The 76ers lost starting center Samuel Dalembert in the offseason in a move to free up cap space for Allen Iverson. Now, they are actively pursuing a quality replacement.

Rebounding and inside defense have been the 76ers' waterloo this season as opposing big men constantly dominates the paint in a regular basis. Philadelphia started the season with Jason Smith as the starting man in the middle, but it was apparent that the young center is not ready yet. Smith would then have a season-ending injury 10 games into the season. To make things worse, starting power forward Elton Brand had an ankle injury and is out for over a month. The team's current starting center is Marreese Speights, who is enjoying a breakout season, but his natural position is power forward. The team's other bigs are DJ White, Juwan Howard and tweener Thaddeus Young.

Quality centers are hard to come by in this league, and if Philly wishes to acquire one through a trade, they may need to give up one of its core guys. Brand is returning soon, and if the 76ers decide that they are going to hold on with their current set of bigs for the rest of the season, they can look for a center in the offseason through the free agency or through the draft, even though it will be hard to find a quality center through the latter, especially when you're not in the lottery.

"We are exploring our options," 76ers coach Eddie Jordan said.

[Absynthe]

[Game 16] Raptors 99 - 76ers 89



Game Recap: Another man down, another loss for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Already undermanned with injuries to key players, the 76ers played this time without starting point guard Jrue Holiday due to a sprained wrist. The rookie guard is expected to miss at least 1 more game.

Losing Holiday was only one of the 76ers' problems in this game, as they couldn't stop Chris Bosh from dominating down low. Bosh had his way against DJ White and Thaddeus Young to the tune of 22 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists.

Hedo Turkoglu and Jose Calderon provided enough scoring support for the Raptors, which improved to 6 - 6 and keep its playoff hopes alive. The Philadelphia fell to 9 - 7 which is good for 7th place in the East with 13 games left.

Andre Iguodala led Philly with 22 points and 7 assists. Marreese Speights had 16 points and 6 rebounds while Allen Iverson added 14 points and 7 assists starting at point guard, with Rodney Carney getting his first starting stint of the season. Carney finished with 2 points.

Top Performers:
Andre Iguodala - 22 pts, 7 asts.
Marreese Speights - 16 pts, 6 rebs.
Allen Iverson - 14 pts, 7 asts.

Chris Bosh - 22 pts, 15 rebs, 9 asts.
Jose Calderon - 12 pts, 11 asts.
Hedo Turkoglu - 18 pts.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 21 / 22 / 21 / 25 - 89
Raptors - 25 / 27 / 29 / 18 - 99

[Absynthe]

[Game 17] Hornets 100 - Sixers 96



The Philadelphia 76ers continues their slide as they lose again, this time dropping a close one against the New Orleans Hornets.

Although the Hornets led for practically the whole game, the 76ers had a good chance of stealing away the win. Down by 8 entering the final quarter, Philly got a huge lift from Willie Green, who hit three 3-pointers in the final quarter, including one that puts the 76ers within 2 with 1 1/2 minutes left. Philadelphia was only down 3 with 30 seconds left, but missed a key basket and New Orleans escaped with a win.

Scoring wasn't a problem for the 76ers, as 6 players scored more than 12, but they didn't do as well in the defensive end as they allowed James Posey and Julian Wright, not really the usual suspects, to score a combined 38 points.

It was another day in the office for Chris Paul, who had 17 points and 11 assists.

Every game is very important for Philadelphia from this point, as they are vying for the final slot of the playoffs. They will have Jrue Holiday and Elton Brand back in the lineup in their next game, against the Dallas Mavericks

Top Performers:
Allen Iverson - 21 pts.
Lou Williams - 17 pts, 9 asts.
Marreese Speights - 12 pts, 9 rebs.

Chris Paul - 17 pts, 11 asts.
James Posey - 23 pts.
Emeka Okafor - 14 pts, 12 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 24 / 23 / 21 / 28 - 96
Hornets - 26 / 25 / 25 / 24 - 100

[Game 18] Mavericks 97 - Sixers 72



Jrue Holiday and Elton Brand were back in the fold, but Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala disappeared. And the 76ers never had a chance.

Iguodala scored only 4 points on 2/6 shooting, but Iverson was even worse with 6 points on a miserable 3/19 from the field.

Other than that, Iverson failed to cover Jason Terry, who exploded for 35 points, going 5/8 on threes. Dirk Nowitzki had a rare triple-double performance, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Shawn Marion had 17 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Brand, back from a 7-game absence, led Philly with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Holiday, who missed the past 2 games himself, added 11 points.

Philadelphia had a very slow start and found themselves in a deep hole early, and was down by 13 after the first quarter. They came to within single digits in the second quarter, but Terry's hot shooting night helped the Mavs build an 18 point lead early in the third.

Iverson and Iggy, the 76ers' top 2 scorers, struggled the whole game and combined to go 0 of 11 from downtown.

The 76ers fell to 9 - 9 and barely holding on the eight spot in the east, with the Miami Heat right behind them by a half-game.

Top Performers:
Elton Brand - 14 pts, 5 rebs.
Thaddeus Young - 13 pts, 5 rebs.

Jason Terry - 35 pts, 5/8 3-pts.
Dirk Nowitzki - 12 pts, 10 rebs, 12 asts.
Shawn Marion - 17 pts, 6 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 13 / 24 / 23 / 12 - 72
Mavericks - 26 / 18 / 33 / 20 - 97

[Absynthe]

[Game 19] Sixers 81 - LA Clippers 76



Lou Williams scored the team's final 6 points as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 81 - 76.

After Eric Gordon's basket put the Clippers ahead, 76 - 75 with over a minute left, Williams answered with a jumper to give the lead back to the 76ers. His 2 free throws would give them a 3-point lead with less than half a minute left. Williams finished the game with 13 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds starting for the injured Jrue Holiday.

"I just felt like I need to step up.. and if we want to hold on to our playoff spot, we need guys to step up in our remaining games."

Thaddeus Young, a top candidate for the Sixth Man award, scored 14 points and had 4 steals. His basket at the end of the third quarter gave Philly a 1-point lead going to the final quarter.

Andre Iguodala, playing despite a plantar fasciitis, only attempted 6 shots, but was effective as he contributed 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

"I can play through the pain. We are playing for a playoff berth. This is way too important." Iggy won't have time to rest as the team will be playing against the New Jersey Nets tomorrow.

Clippers' rookie phenom Blake Griffin was injured in the second quarter. He did not return to the game and was diagnosed to have severe ankle sprain. Al Thornton was the only starter who scored in double-figures, scoring 14 points. Clips leading scorer Eric Gordon had a rough night, finishing with 9 points on 2/12 shooting.

Top Performers:
Marreese Speights - 20 pts, 9/10 FGs.
Lou Williams - 13 pts, 7 asts, 4 rebs.
Allen Iverson - 15 pts, 5 asts.

Al Thornton - 14 pts, 10 rebs.
Chris Kaman - 7 pts, 11 rebs.
Rasual Butler - 13 pts.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 20 / 18 / 23 / 20 - 81
Clippers - 16 / 24 / 19 17 - 76

[Game 20] Nets 94 - Sixers 80



The Philadelphia 76ers just lost grip of the eight and final playoff spot in the East after losing to the New Jersey Nets, 80 - 94.

The New Jersey holds the league's worst record in the standings, but against the 76ers, they played like a top playoff team. The 76ers on the other hand, seemed to be playing without the sense of urgency that they displayed against the Los Angeles Clippers just the night before.

With the loss, Philly dropped to 10 - 10, and fell to ninth place in the East. The Miami Heat (11 - 9) now holds the eight spot.

"It ain't over yet, we still have 9 games. But we can't play like the way we did tonight." team captain Andre Iguodala said after the game. "No offense to the Nets, but this is a game that we really should have won."

Lou Williams and Allen Iverson both scored 15 points for the 76ers. Iguodala, still playing with an injury, added 11 points. Igoudala will have a chance to recuperate, since the 76ers will not be playing again until after the All-Star break, which will be in 13 days.

The 76ers is a team that might really benefit from this long break. The team has been slowed down by injuries to key players throughout the season. They will have Jrue Holiday back in their next game.

Yi Jianlian played great for the Nets, finishing with 18 points and 4 rebounds, off the bench. Devin Harris had 13 points and 7 assists.

Top Performers:
Allen Iverson - 15 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asts.
Elton Brand - 13 pts, 5 rebs.
Lou Williams - 15 pts, 5 asts.

Yi Jianlian - 18 pts, 4 rebs.
Devin Harris - 13 pts, 7 asts.
Brook Lopez - 12 pts, 5 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 16 / 20 / 17 / 27 - 80
Nets - 15 / 29 / 16 / 34 - 94

[Absynthe]

"76ers Acquires Nazr Mohammed, Toney Douglas in separate deals."



With about 2 weeks before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers finally made a move that could help them going into the final stretch of the season.

The 76ers acquired Nazr Mohammed and Stephen Graham from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for guard Willie Green, swingman Rodney Carney and rookie center Byron Mullens.

It was a homecoming for Nazr Mohammed, who spent his first 3 years in the NBA with the 76ers. Now he is back for an encore.

The Bobcats has 4 centers in its roster and Nazr didn't get to play much off the bench. It will change now that he is expected to start for the 76ers, a team that is in great need for rebounding and interior defense.

It was not a secret that the 76ers have been searching for a replacement for Samuel Dalembert, who was traded in the offseason. Although Mohammed is not to be mistaken to be among the league's elite centers, he can surely be of great value to the team. Philly is currently in ninth place and fighting for the final playoff spot.

Incumbent center by default, Marreese Speights, is expected to go back to his role off the bench. Speights is having a breakout year, but is not really a true center and is having difficulty holding his own against opposing centers.

Last week, the Philadelphia 76ers also made a minor trade, acquiring rookie guard Toney Douglas from the New York Knicks in exchange for veteran Juwan Howard.

[µTorrent]

Douglas is a good get for you

[Absynthe]

Douglas is a good get for you

Yeah thanks. Now I have a handful of combo guards at my disposal with him, Iverson, Lou and Jrue.

[Gamebreaker]

Hey, just writing to say this is one of my favorite dynasty stories. Probably because it's similar to one I'm cookin up, but even without that, I'd probably still dig. Your presentation is after my own heart too.

A little disappointed there's only 9 games left. I was just getting settled in for a long campaign.

[Absynthe]

Hey, just writing to say this is one of my favorite dynasty stories. Probably because it's similar to one I'm cookin up, but even without that, I'd probably still dig. Your presentation is after my own heart too.

A little disappointed there's only 9 games left. I was just getting settled in for a long campaign.

Wow, thanks for appreciating Gamebreaker! that means a lot.

Yeah, season's about to end. Hope I can sneak into the playoffs and extend this one for a few more games.

[Absynthe]

[Game 21] Sixers 95 - Kings 93 (OT)



The Sacramento Kings simply refuses to lose. Neither do the 76ers.

The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Sacramento Kings in overtime and regained the eight playoff spot in the east. But it didn't came easy.

Twice in regulation it seemed like the 76ers had this win in the bag, but twice also the Kings stormed back to force an overtime.

Philly was leading by 12, 76 - 64, in the middle part of the final quarter before the Kings went on a furious 13 - 2 rally, capped by Kevin Martin's 3-pointer to put them within a point, 78 - 77. Philadelphia managed to regain their composure and pull ahead again, 84 - 79 with over a minute left. But then again, the Kings made another run, tying the game at 86 on Spencer Hawes' 3-pointer with 38 seconds left.

Allen Iverson drove hard to the basket and his lay-up gave Philly an 88 - 86 lead with 28 seconds left. In the ensuing play, Tyreke Evans melted down the clock then found Andres Nocioni on left corner for a wide open jumper with 5.8 seconds left to tie the ball game. The 76ers had a just to win it, but they turned the ball over as time expired, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime:

Philly quickly scored at the start of overtime for an 88 - 86 lead. Both teams would then go on scoreless over 2 minutes, which was broken after Evans hit a 3-pointer to put the Kings ahead 89 - 88. Martin hit another basket to give Sacramento a 3-point lead with a less than a minute left.

With their playoff hopes in the balance, Thaddeus Young then made what probably was the biggest play in the game as he converted on a 3-point play to tie the ballgame anew at 91. Nocioni hits a tough basket which was answered by a dunk by new 76er Nazr Mohammed. With the game tied at 93, the Kings failed to convert on their position. With less than 30 seconds left, Iverson slashed to the basket and dished out a nice feed to Elton Brand for a dunk which would eventually be the game-winning basket. The Kings had a chance to send the game to overtime and they went to Nocioni again, but his jumper was closely contested by Mohammed. Philly won, 95 - 93.

"Relieved"

As the final horn sounded, Iverson couldn't help but felt relieved that the game was over and they got the win. "This Kings team is young but very tough. They just kept on coming back and kept on hitting clutch shots. This team is going to be really something in the future if they keep their core."

Earlier in the night, the Orlando Magic beat the Miami Heat, 79 - 73, giving the Heat their second straight loss. Miami fell down to 11 - 11 and surrendered the eight spot to the Philadelphia 76ers (11 - 10).

Interestingly, the 76er's last opponent this season will be the Miami Heat. If the trend continues, this eight spot probably won't be decided until the last game of the season.

Top Performers:
Thaddeus Young - 17 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts.
Allen Iverson - 17 pts, 6 asts, 4 stls.
Elton Brand - 16 pts, 4 rebs.

Kevin Martin - 29 pts, 7 asts, 5 rebs.
Tyreke Evans - 14 pts, 13 asts.
Spencer Hawas - 17 pts, 7 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 21 / 25 / 20 / 20 / 9 - 95
Kings - 21 / 22 / 17 / 26 / 7 - 93

[Gamebreaker]

Heh, way to tough that one out.

Wow, thanks for appreciating Gamebreaker! that means a lot.

Yeah, season's about to end. Hope I can sneak into the playoffs and extend this one for a few more games.

Lookin good. Above .500, so it looks like you might extend your season farther than the real Sixers did. No running into a superpower in the first round, unless you get on a really bad streak to finish things out.

It'd be nice to see Iverson make a big ol' comeback. I root for Brand too. His rebounding numbers for you look more like the ones he was putting up the year before this one.

[Bucket]

Is it possible to take screenshots on PSP?
Good and dramatic win against Kings.

[Absynthe]

Is it possible to take screenshots on PSP?

Yes, it won't be pretty though.

[Absynthe]

[Game 22] Sixers 86 - Hawks 74



The Philadelphia 76ers gets another step closer to securing a playoff berth after defeating the Atlanta Hawks, 86 - 74.

Toney Douglas, acquired from the New York Knicks, got playing time due to an injury to guard Lou Williams, and he didn't disappoint.

Douglas scored 6 crucial points in the final quarter just when the Hawks were threatening to take over the game. After trailing for most of the second half, the Hawks managed to take the lead 65 - 64, with about 5 minutes left in the game. Douglas then hits a 3-pointer to give the lead back to the 76ers, 67 - 65.

Later on, with Philly ahead 72 - 69, Douglas would deliver on a huge 3-point play to put Philly ahead by 6. On the 76ers' next possession, Douglas would feed Kyle Weaver for a nice dunk, completing a 13 - 4 run and giving the 76ers an 8-point lead, 77 - 69. The Hawks would never threaten the rest of the way.

"Lou was out, and I was given an opportunity to play some of his minutes and show what I can do." said Douglas. He finished the game with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

Elton Brand led the 76ers with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

With the win, the 76ers moved to seventh place in the East with 7 games remaining, while the Hawks fell to the eight spot.

Top Performers:
Elton Brand - 20 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts.
Marreese Speights - 11 pts, 5 rebs.
Allen Iverson - 11 pts, 6 asts.

Mike Bibby - 18 pts, 9 asts.
Maurice Williams - 12 pts, 12 rebs.
Joe Johnson - 17 pts.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 15 / 22 / 25 / 24 - 86
Hawks - 19 / 18 / 23 / 14 - 74

[Absynthe]

[Game 23] Sixers 86 - 83



Game Recap:
Hitting game-winning baskets is slowly becoming Elton Brand's habit lately. Not that his teammates are complaining.

For the second time in 3 games, Brand hits a game-winning shot as the Philadelphia 76ers edge the Cleveland Cavaliers, 86 - 83.

Down by 9 going into the fourth quarter, the 76ers outscored the Cavs 32 - 21 in the final quarter led by reserves Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights.

The 76ers were still down 77 - 71 with over 2 minutes left before Young scored 5 straight points, with his 3-pointer cutting the lead down to 1, 77 - 76. Both teams would trade baskets and leads from then on and Shaquille O'Neal gave the Cavs an 83 - 82 lead with 26 seconds left.

After a timeout, the 76ers fed the ball to Brand down low who converted on a close hook shot with 21 seconds left. The Cavs had a chance to take back the lead but Shaq's errant pass to LeBron James gave the ball back to Philly. Cleveland was forced to foul Toney Douglas, who converted on both of his free throws to give Philly a 3-point lead. The Cavs had a final opportunity to tie the game but they committed another turnover as William's pass was intercepted by Andre Iguodala.

Brand led the 76ers with 17 points while Young and Speights added 16 and 13 points respectively.

Douglas was inserted to the starting lineup, replacing the struggling rookie Jrue Holiday. Douglas played well and finished with 8 points and 8 assists. 76ers coach Eddie Jordan said that he made the switch because of the need for an outside threat in a starting lineup that features non-shooters.

Delonte West led the beaten Cavs with 18 points and 5 rebounds. James added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The win propelled Philly to the sixth spot in the playoff seedings with a 13 - 10 standing. The Cavs meanwhile fell to seventh place.


Brand and Shaq figured in a heavyweight match-up down low.

Top Performers:
Elton Brand - 17 pts, 7/10 FGs.
Thaddeus Young - 16 pts.
Marreese Speights - 13 pts, 3 rebs.

LeBron James - 16 pts, 10 rebs.
Delonte West - 18 pts, 5 rebs.
Anderson Varejao - 10 pts, 6 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 15 / 21 / 18 / 32 - 86
Cavaliers - 15 / 26 / 21 / 21 - 83

[Gamebreaker]

Yeah, go old man go!

[µTorrent]

What happened to AI in this game?

[Absynthe]

What happened to AI in this game?

9 points on 4/14 shooting.

[Cruzerr]

Tough . Hows your playoff chances?

[Absynthe]

Tough . Hows your playoff chances?

Currently in sixth place.

1 Pistons 17 - 5
2 Bulls 16 - 7
3 Celtics 16 - 9
4 Magic 14 - 9
5 Heat 15 - 11
6 76ers 13 - 10
7 Cavaliers 11 - 9
8 Hawks 11 - 10
Raptors 12 - 12
Knicks 10 - 14

[Absynthe]

[Game 24] Sixers 79 - Bulls 75



The 76ers looked ready for the playoffs as they beat the 2nd seed Chicago Bulls, 79 - 75.

Elton Brand continues his string of strong performances and finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead Philly to its 14th win of the season. Marreese Speights came up with a double-double off the bench with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Allen Iverson scored 11.

"This is a nice confidence booster going to the playoffs, beating one of the top teams in the East" said Brand.

With the Bulls ahead 64 - 60, the 76ers went on an 8 - 0 run culminated by a jumper from Kyle Weaver with 3 minutes left in the game. Joakim Noah scored to make it 68 - 66 but the Bulls couldn't get any closer for the rest of the game.

John Salmons top-scored for the Bulls with 15 points. Derrick Rose added 11 points and 8 assists. Tyrus Thomas had 13 points and 7 boards. Despite the loss, the Bulls still hold the second spot in the East, behind the Detroit Pistons.


TT rises for a breakaway jam.

Top Performers:
Elton Brand - 17 pts, 7 rebs. 3 blks.
Marreese Speights - 15 pts, 12 rebs.
Toney Douglas - 13 pts, 4 asts.

Tyrus Thomas - 13 pts, 7 rebs.
Derrick Rose - 11 pts, 8 asts.
Joakim Noah - 8 pts, 9 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 19 / 20 / 15 / 25 - 79
Bulls - 15 / 22 / 17 / 21 - 75

[Game 25] Pistons 87 - Sixers 79



Philadelphia 76ers couldn't keep up with the top seed Detroit Pistons, losing 87 - 78.

The 76ers, fresh off a great win over 2nd seed Chicago Bulls, looked to take down another top team. The 76ers started out strong and built a double figure lead in the 2nd quarter. But the Pistons, showing the resilience that helped them secure the top seed in the East, stayed close and took control in the second half.

Down by 3 at the half, the Pistons' defense went up a notch in the second half, limiting the 76ers to only 17 points in the 3rd quarter and only 12 in the final quarter.

Richard Hamilton scored 19 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and had 4 assists, off the bench, to lead Detroit. Ben Gordon scored 17 points and had 4 steals. Charlie Villanueva had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.

Elton Brand was once again the 76ers' leading scorer for the fourth straight game, finishing with 18 points and adding 6 rebounds. He injured his ankle in the 1st quarter and had to leave the game. He came back in the second quarter. Coach Eddie Jordan said post game that he will be resting Brand at least for the next game, against the Los Angeles Lakers, to give him time to recover.

"We will need him to be at 100% in the playoffs" said Jordan.

Thaddeus Young had 17 points and 5 rebounds for Philly. Allen Iverson added 11 points and 5 assists.

Andre Iguodala, the 76ers' second-leading scorer, continues to struggle offensively, finishing with 9 points. He has now scored less than 10 points in the 76ers' last 5 games.

With the win, the Pistons improved to 21 - 5 and only needs 1 more win, or a loss by the Chicago Bulls, to secure the top seed and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers fell to 14 - 11 but still holds the fifth spot.

Top Performers:
Elton Brand - 18 pts, 6 rebs.
Thaddeus Young - 17 pts, 7 rebs.
Marreese Speights - 9 pts, 7 rebs.

Richard Hamilton - 19 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts.
Ben Gordon - 17 pts, 4 stls.
Charlie Villanueva - 11 pts, 10 rebs.

Quarter Scoring:
Sixers - 27 / 22 / 17 / 12 - 78
Pistons - 23 / 23 / 25 /16 - 87

[Gamebreaker]

Ha, what kind of bizarro world is your league taking place on where the Pistons are doing so well?

Did you change their roster at all? Doesn't look like it.

Keep goin strong.

[Absynthe]

Ha, what kind of bizarro world is your league taking place on where the Pistons are doing so well?

Did you change their roster at all? Doesn't look like it.

Keep goin strong.

Joe Dumars' Dreamland. This is definitely how he pictured it to be the summer he signed Ben Gordon and Charlie V to monster contracts.

[Absynthe]

Elton Brand Leads 76ers Resurgence



The Philadelphia 76ers won 4 of 5 games after the All-Star break. Elton Brand was the team's leading scorer in 4 of those 5 games and the second leading scorer in the other one. Prior to the All-Star break, Brand had led the 76ers in scoring only once, so it was apparent that Brand has a lot to do with the 76ers' recent surge.

Brand hit the game-winning shot in the team's dramatic win against the Sacramento Kings. He hit another game-winner in their win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a stellar performance against the 2nd seed Chicago Bulls finishing with 17 points; and 7 rebounds and in their loss against the Detroit Pistons, he led Philadelphia with 18 points and 6 rebounds. He had 20 points and 6 rebounds against the young Hawks frontcourt duo of Al Horford and Josh Smith.

Brand averaged just 9.0 points before the All-Star break. He averaged 17.6 points in their last 5 games. The only issue for Brand though is staying healthy. He has already missed 7 games this season and was injured again in their last game against the Pistons and will miss their upcoming game against the Lakers.

"Our team has a good mix of young guys and veterans. I'm just trying to do my part, which is providing post scoring and interior presence." said Brand.

"He is a vital part of this team. He has been one of the most underrated big men in the league through the years." said teammate Allen Iverson.

"We are very much capable of pulling out a few surprises in the playoffs." Brand added.

The rest of the East has been warned.

[Gamebreaker]

Yeahhh. Cool to see Brand being so important.