{"id":74887,"date":"2024-04-25T17:07:37","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T21:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=74887"},"modified":"2024-04-26T13:13:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T17:13:05","slug":"philadelphia-76ers-boost-from-return-key-guard-potential-impact-against-knicks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/25\/philadelphia-76ers-boost-from-return-key-guard-potential-impact-against-knicks\/","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia 76ers Expected To Get Boost From Return Of Key Guard, And The Potential Impact On The Series Against The Knicks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/strong><\/a> may play tonight.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia 76ers Expected To Get Boost From Return Of Key Guard<\/h2>\n

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

“I’m feeling good,”<\/em>\u00a0Melton<\/a> said after the practice. “I’m ready for the game tomorrow, and we’ll see how it goes.”<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Melton is officially considered a game-time decision. Joel Embiid<\/strong> <\/a>is also questionable due to left knee injury recovery though he is expected to play. Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson<\/strong><\/a> is questionable for the Knicks.<\/p>\n

How Melton’s return Impact The Sixers Against Knicks<\/h3>\n

As one could predict, the two contests were close, and the stats were relatively close, though the Sixer had some learning weaknesses.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

“I think for me, the little things, rebounding, boxing out, getting deflections, getting steals,”<\/em> Melton told Pompey of the impact he could make.<\/p>\n

\n

Sixers guard De\u2019Anthony 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<\/a><\/p>\n

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n