Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves @ Sixers 6 PM -Wachovia Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FSNORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130
Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
There are just 10 days left until the trade deadline on February 19. Fans are attempting to sift through the truth and rumors as a new deal seems to pop up everyday leading to a potential franchise-changing exchange between two or more teams. The Sixers are the latest team featured in the headlines with Andre Iguodala topping the list for a trade in the next week. Chatter mostly surrounds a swap for Suns big man Amar'e Stoudemire and other players that would satisfy both teams from a financial standpoint. While Phoenix would like to avoid receiving nothing for Stoudemire due to his upcoming contract negotiations (he will demand a max contract), Philadelphia is most likely looking for a deal to save face after a disappointing 19-31 first half of the season. There is not all doom and gloom in the City of Brotherly Love. Amid all the distracting rumors, the Sixers are riding a four-game winning streak and have won six of their last 10 contests. Remarkably, Philadelphia only sits 4 1/2 games out of the eighth spot for the Eastern Conference playoffs, which could put a screeching halt to any player movement.
Last Meeting:
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Wolves outplayed the Sixers down the stretch to record a matinee victory 108-103 in overtime.
Backcourt:
The Philadelphia lineup has a different feel with Allen Iverson missing the last three games due to the illness of one of his children. Jrue Holiday suits up at the point guard position next to Willie Green at the shooting guard spot. Saturday night, Holiday was fairly active by posting 10 points on a 2-for-5 performance from the 3-point line. Green has scored in double figures for three straight games, averaging 14 points per game in the month of February. The Wolves backcourt hopes for another career game from rookie Jonny Flynn. In the first meeting, Flynn treated the hometown crowd to 29 points on 9-for-16 shooting, 2-for-2 behind the arc, and 9-for-10 at the charity stripe. Flynn also dished out nine assists along with four boards and two steals. The all-around performance is the signature game for Flynn that shows his ability to take the reins for his squad. Corey Brewer has sparkled over the last month with an improved jumper and a confident approach to attacking the lane. During a crucial point in the contest against Memphis on Saturday, Brewer scored 14 of the Wolves' first 15 points to start the second half.
Frontcourt:
Iguodala continues to be the best scoring option for Philadelphia in the half court or transition offense. His strength and athletic skill led to 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the loss to Minnesota on January 18. In order for the Sixers to be successful, Iguodala needs a more dominant outing as seen in the victory over Chicago where he finished with 25 points, eight assists, and eight boards. Elton Brand is back in the starting lineup on the blocks for Philadelphia. The high-priced power forward has not lived up to the expectations since his arrival a year ago but he is always a threat in the post. Center Samuel Dalembert patrols the paint with shot blocking and rebounding. The Minnesota frontline will have a difficult assignment in keeping Dalembert off the glass after the Sixers big man has grabbed double-digit boards in 14 consecutive games. For the Wolves, Al Jefferson has become a force in the fourth quarter with a combined 42 points during the four-game winning streak. He helped Minnesota battle back and defeat Memphis by tying his own franchise record, hitting 8-for-8 field goals and 16 points in the final period.
What To Look For:
When speaking to Ryan Gomes at the practice facility yesterday, the Wolves forward emphasized the importance of keeping the Sixers out of the paint and slowing down their open floor opportunities. Gomes is another offensive threat on this Minnesota squad, which was evident in the 20-point first half on Saturday night. Speaking of offense, the Wolves should search for the century mark as Philadelphia only allows 99.8 points per game, a solid defensive team with Iguodala on the wing Dalembert in the frontcourt.
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