Sixers @ Minnesota Timberwolves Preview: Ricky Rubio is Adorable

by Michael Levin on Feb 19, 2012 11:00 AM PST in Philadelphia 76ers Previews

It's been marked on my schedule since the beginning of the season, but today is finally the day Ricky Rubio showers us with smiles and hair flips as the Sixers head to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. Kevin Love and his facestomping ways are enjoyable as well, but it's the Spaniard with his absurd 39.6% AST% that's got me giggling.

The Wolves are coming off two easy wins against punching bag Charlotte and Houston, the latter of which saw both Kevin Love and NIKOLA PEKOVIC score over 30. The last time the Sixers had a player score over 30 was at least five Doctor Who's ago. The Wolves had two in one game. Thus, they are better and the Sixers are terrible, trade everyone.

I do love the young talent on Minnesota, though defense is decidedly not their forte, it's gotten markedly better than in years past. Led by stability at the point guard position (if inefficient shooting), dominant rebounding from Love, and the tremendous improvements of the previously mentioned PEK (watch that video), this team is definitely shooting upwards. Once Derrick Williams figures out how to play in the NBA, Rubio makes a few shots, and Wesley Johnson does....anything, this is a dangerous team.

Tonight though, I'm looking forward to seeing how Doug Collins opts to handle KLove. Similar to Dirk two nights ago, Thaddeus Young should see a lot of time on him, but he's not nearly as agile or dangerous off the dribble so Elton Brand could see more time on him. Rubio's just going to be fun to watch.

If you're looking for reasons why the sky isn't falling, read this, but if ranting and statistical anomalies fit your fancy, give this a look. To sum everything up, the Sixers have been bad, but they're never as great as they look when they're winning and never as bad as they look when they're losing. Somewhere in the middle means they have a good shot to win a second round matchup this season.

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Love also averages lots of attempts from three at a decent clip. I would still prefer to see Brand on him, than Thad. Brand at least tends to box out more than Thad.

"If Iguodala were a legitimate "true" 17 PPG scorer, we’d be a better team. When at least 8 of those points come off the fast break, his true offensive production is a reality: 8-11 PPG." - LeQuan Glover

by jefu on Feb 19, 2012 11:27 AM PST reply actions

Is Jrue still dating USWNT member Lauren Cheney?

This is what’s important to me, because I expect a win tonight.

by hallcr3 on Feb 19, 2012 1:14 PM PST reply actions

This will be a good game

the wolves are strong down low and that is the sixers achilles (pun so harshly intended)
the six get out on the break and that tends to be effective against Minnesota

will be nice to see rubio. hope holiday shows up to join him.

ok, now re-read in Doug Collins' voice...

by J.Michael Woodson on Feb 19, 2012 1:50 PM PST reply actions

Jrue-sanity

"I reach in his eye socket, grab his brain, and rip it out like Kano would a heart. He falls to the ground. I run with his brain to the end zone and fulfill a lifelong dream by scoring the first touchdown of my entire career.." - Evan Mathis

by highwaterhello on Feb 19, 2012 4:18 PM PST reply actions