After going down late in the third quarter against those precocious Miami Heat(s), Nikola Vucevic is doubtful for tonight's game against the ferocious Washington Wizards. His injury is called a "left knee quad strain", which kind of just seems like four words grouped together, but I'm guessing it's legitimate and not a conspiracy.
That means that, with Spencer Hawes a game-time decision, the Sixers will be going to a heavy dose of Thaddeus Young and Elton Brand to man the front court against the ent-like Andray Blatche and Javale McGee. That's probably not great news for the Sixers' already mediocre rebounding numbers and, should the Wiz keep it close, it will be because of the Philadelphia rail-thinness inside.
Brace yourselves, we could be looking at a Tony Battie/Lavoy Allen tag team for a good chunk of this game. At least the Sixers have a relatively easy stretch ahead (four games at home against the four worst teams in the East), so should they choose to rest Hawes and Vuce to get them ready for the murderous run after the cakewalk, it might not be the worst idea.
UPDATE: And, seconds after I post this, CSN Philly reports both guys are out. Elton Brand is also a GTD with gastroenteritis, which without any research I can tell you to mean he's poopin' a lot. Break out your toilet paper because we're about to see about as much Battie as you can stomach. Craig Brackins, even? SPEEZY WHERE R U?!