The Philadelphia 76ers are down 2-0 heading into Game 3 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks. Both of the first two games were very competitive, with the Knicks overcoming a five-point deficit in the final 48 seconds to win Game 2. However, the 76ers are reportedly getting healthier as De’Anthony Melton may play tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers Expected To Get Boost From Return Of Key Guard
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier today that Melton participated in this morning’s 76ers shoot-around and could suit up tonight. Melton has been out since April 12 due to a recurring back issue.
“I’m feeling good,” Melton said after the practice. “I’m ready for the game tomorrow, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Melton averaged a career-high 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.9 minutes over 38 appearances. He played 21 total minutes in two April appearances. The 25-year-old also drains two treys a game while shooting .386/.360/.835.
Melton is officially considered a game-time decision. Joel Embiid is also questionable due to left knee injury recovery though he is expected to play. Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson is questionable for the Knicks.
How Melton’s return Impact The Sixers Against Knicks
As one could predict, the two contests were close, and the stats were relatively close, though the Sixer had some learning weaknesses.
Philadelphia has shot the ball better than New York, 43.6% to 40.1%. While the Knicks are shooting it better from beyond the 3-point line than the 76ers, it is relatively the same. The Knicks are making 13.5 treys a game at a 39.7% clip, and the 76ers are making 12.5 treys at a 35.2% clip.
The Sixers and Knicks turn the ball over about the same. The Sixers commit 11 turnovers a game, and the Knicks 10. However, the Sixers have a slight advantage in points off turnovers, 14-to-13.
The big difference between the teams through the series’ first two games has been on the backboard, particularly on the offensive end. New York is outrebounding Philadelphia 50.5-to-38.5, including 17.5-to-9.5 on the offensive end. More importantly, the Knicks have turned their offensive boards into 19 points compared to 9.5 by the 76ers.
New York also is hammering Philadelphia in fastbreak points 18.5to-12.5. The Knicks are also winning the battle at the free throw line, outscoring the 76ers by three points a game (21-18). The Knicks also attempt three more free throws than the Sixers (25-22).
“I think for me, the little things, rebounding, boxing out, getting deflections, getting steals,” Melton told Pompey of the impact he could make.
Sixers guard De’Anthony Melton, who looks to play in Game 3, on why it is important to come back and play for the teammates: pic.twitter.com/CO7JIgX1k4
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 24, 2024
Melton said it was important to return because, when healthy, the Sixers are the NBA’s best team.
“We all felt like that at the beginning of the year. Understanding we have had a lot of trades, but honestly, we’ve gotten better at the trade deadline. So just for me to attach myself to that, I feel like we can be an elite team.”
76ers Likely Rotation With Melton
Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have been excellent offensively for the 76ers, combining for 63.5% of their points. But the Sixers haven’t gotten much contributions from anyone besides Kyle Lowry. Lowry scored 18 points in Game 1 of the series against the Knicks and the 76ers are a +12 when he is on the court through the two games.
Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre have not done much during the first two games. Harris’ performance has been particularly painful as he averages 8.5 points on 39.2% shooting and 33.3% from the field. He has yet to attempt a free throw and is a -2.5 in plus/minus. However, Harris has done a fantastic job defensively, specifically on Josh Hart.
Oubre has not been much better, but he is shooting 50% from beyond the arc and has a +2.5 plus/minus rating. Oubre has struggled defensively, though he has been matched up against smaller quicker players in Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride. Overall, the Knicks are shooting 48.3% from the field and 61.5% from the 3-point line when Oubre is the primary defender.
Even with Melton’s return, the 76ers will likely keep Lowry in the starting lineup. However, Melton will likely be the first or second player off the bench.
With Melton’s return, the 76ers are getting someone else who can score and another shooter. Melton has scored in double-figures in 22 of his 38 appearances this year. Sixty-one percent of Melton’s shots have come from beyond the arc and he has made two treys a game at a 37.6% clip as a member of the Sixers.
More importantly, Melton will give the 76ers another reliable perimeter defender. Melton will likely be charged with manning Brunson and McBride, thus allowing Oubre to match up with Hart or OG Anunoby more often. His return also will keep Buddy Hield, who has been a disaster. Hield has done nothing offensively and has been the 76ers’ weak link defensively.
