Heading into Saturday nights game, the Sixers have played four games against teams with the NBAs worst record. In terms of strength of schedule, the Sixers ranked below the Knicks for the easiest slate of opponents.
In the four games played at home this past week, the Sixers played teams with a combined record of 17-62. But thats about to change.
Starting Monday the Sixers play Orlando, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta, meaning they have games against two first-place teams and two games against teams within a pair of games of first place. Combined, the four opponents have a combined 90-42 record.
In other words, no more cupcakes.
When youve got this stretch of home games, youve got to take advantage of that, head coach Doug Collins said. You cant get yourself in a situation where you come home and lose two, three, or four games. You cant make those losses up. When youre in this position, youve got to take advantage of it the best you can.
Good teams win the games they are supposed to win is the sentiment around the Sixers locker room and even with opening the season with five straight games on the road, the team has made the most of its schedule. So, with a 14-6 record and a four-game advantage over the rest of the pack, are the Sixers on the way to winning the Atlantic Division?
Its certainly shaping up that way and heres why:
The Sixers two closest competitors in the division also began the season with weak schedules. According to the strength of schedule data, the Knicks have the second-weakest ride thus far, playing games against teams with a combined .440 winning percentage, while the second-place Celtics are eighth, facing opponents with a combined .482 winning percentage.
NBA
So as the Sixers schedule grows a little more rugged, so too will the Knicks and Celtics. Plus, the Sixers have five more games against both of the division rivals with just two of them on the road. Better yet, the Sixers dont have to travel to Los Angeles, Dallas or Oklahoma City for games this season.
Meanwhile, before Mondays game at the Wells Fargo Center, the Magic host Indiana on Sunday night.
Indeed, the Sixers are on the way
Quote book
Games that we should win, were winning. I guess were just showing how good we are.
--Jrue Holiday
Quote book II
We have to get our Chi right.
--Spencer Hawes after last Tuesdays yoga session at practice.
E-mail John Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com