3 Scenarios We Need For The Sixers Tonight
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- For the first time ever, I am rooting for the Sixers to lose.
Contrary to popular belief, while the Sixers have been in "tank" mode the past couple of years, I've never actively rooted against them. That changes tonight.
The Sixers host the Heat in the season finale with multiple draft implications on the line. All the potential good things come from a Sixers loss. And all the bad things come from a Sixers win.
Here is what we need:
1. The Sixers must lose to the Heat
This is the ultimate "tank fest," as both teams benefit by losing.
While the Sixers have done plenty of that this season (18-63), the Heat (36-45) were eliminated from playoff contention after the Pacers beat the Wizards on Tuesday night. So, not only does Miami have nothing to play for in their final regular season game, they also benefit by losing this game.
If the Sixers win, the Heat secure the 10th worst record in the NBA and more importantly, will likely keep their 2015 first-round pick (which is top-ten protected, from---who else---the Sixers).
However, if the Heat beat the Sixers there could be a coin-flip situation if...
2. The Magic beat the Nets
The Nets, who are still fighting for their playoff lives, are big favorites tonight at home against the 25-56 Magic. However, if the Magic find a way to beat the Nets and the Heat do indeed beat the Sixers, Miami and Brooklyn will flip a coin to determine the 10th and 11th picks.
The Sixers would automatically get the 11th pick, if the Heat lost that potential coin-toss.
3. The Knicks to beat the Pistons
The 17-64 Knicks host the 31-50 Pistons, in a winnable season finale for both teams. Detroit is expected to win this game, but don't sleep on the Knicks. They're looking for their third straight dub to close out an abysmal season!
If the Knicks can pull off the upset, they'll finish 18-64. If the aforementioned "tank fest" between the Sixers and Heat is won by Miami, Philly would also finish 18-64 setting up, you guessed it, another coin-flip scenario. This time, the Sixers and Knicks would flip to determine who had the second most ping-pong balls in the lottery.
Got all that? If not, just remember we're all rooting against the Sixers tonight, if you weren't already doing so.
