Things are really bad in Sixers-land right now. After Wednesday night things could be worse (or better depending on how you look at it) as the 76ers host the NBA’s worst team the New Jersey Nots -- oops make that Nets.
The seven-win Nets are chasing the 1972-73 Sixers for the worst record in NBA history. They enter the game on pace to break the 72-73 Sixers’ 9-72 record, according to ESPN.
The Nets are 2-8 in their last 10 games -- the Sixers are actually worse winning only once in their last 10.
Basically it will be a battle of futility Wednesday night. Both teams are out of the playoffs and playing the season out, but they have something to play for -- lottery balls.
And, playing for the lottery isn’t the worse idea just ask the San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat what a high draft pick can do.
The Nets have almost assured themselves of having the best shot at landing the number one pick in the draft. But, the Sixers are battling with six teams for the fourth-worst record in the league.
With the team going nowhere fast losing could be the best policy.
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They could take a cue from Hollywood on how to get fourth place. In the movie Semi-Pro, Jackie Moon (played by Will Ferrell) tries to inspire his Flint Tropics to win enough games to finish fourth best in the ABA.
Moon even creates a made up Mega Bowl (“whatever that is”) to inspire his players.
Well the Sixers need to create some fake award right now to inspire losing.
At 23-44 the 76ers are just 1.5 games out of fourth place and that much closer to getting a high draft pick. They could make a big stride towards the bottom by losing to the Nets Wednesday.
But, Sixers fans could be torn by this one. Yes, it’s to the team’s advantage to get the best shot at a high lottery pick but by beating the Nets they could help the 72-73 team off the worst record hook.
The Sixers have a slew of games they should lose against good teams so it important to lose to the Nets and equally terrible Knicks (they play Friday) in the coming days to get closer to fourth worse.
And, as is often the case with a team in a downward spiral, there is talk of coaching changes (Eddie Jordan’s days are likely numbered) and a slew of random injuries to players (Thaddeus Young -- right thumb fracture, Marreese Speights -- right knee sprain and Lou Williams -- low back pain) as the team seems to check out.
Can’t blame guys for those aches and pains considering there isn’t much to play for -- well besides the Futility Bowl for fourth worst.
