3 reasons to be optimistic about the Sixers

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So the Sixers are in trouble ... 15-20 and sitting 2.5 games back of Milwaukee and Boston for the eighth and final playoff seed in the East. But let me give you the top three reasons to be optimistic about this team going forward.

1. As the schedule turns
Playing 10 of the last 11 games on the road didn't go over so well, with the Sixers grabbing wins over just the Hawks, Grizzlies and Lakers. They started that stretch at .500 and now they're five games under. But 13 of the NEXT 15 are at the Wells Fargo Center and include games against the likes of the Raptors (twice), Hornets, Kings, Wizards and Bobcats. Because of the Sixers' inconsistency, none of these games are gimmes. But it's a lot less daunting than that wild, wild west roadie they just limped home from.

2. 'The Unspoken'
I refuse to say his name until he returns to practice. But yesterday the wanna-be double for A Pimp named Slickback said he is coming back at some point, as he explained his long walks on the treadmill have gone off without a hitch and he hopes to run soon. So if and when the Sixers do get their presumed starting center for the first time, things will instantly get better. How much better? That, I'm not so sure about.

3. The Bucks stop here
Scott Skiles is out in Milwaukee, and as we look at the standings, there's really only one direction for this team to head with hot and cold guards Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis running the show. Skiles seemingly had this group overachieving, but there's a good chance within a few weeks this current .500 team will have a handful more losses than wins. Even if the Sixers play only .500 ball themselves, the Bucks are likely headed to join them. That makes the No. 8 seed much more accessible. The question is, do you want to see the Sixers play Miami in the first round (again)? With a healthy Bynum, why not? Otherwise, another lottery pick is in order.

E-mail Marshall Harris at mharris@comcastsportsnet.com

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