Sixers vs. Pistons Preview: Philadelphia hasn't won on the second night of a back to back all season

Hey Sixers fans, nice to see you. It's been too long since we last talked. I haven't written a post here on LB since last June. It's good to be back.

Now that we've got that out of the way, allow me to start this preview by saying the Sixers probably won't beat the Detroit Pistons tonight. Bold thing to say about the team with the worst record in the NBA, I know.

There are too many trends working against the Sixers favor tonight. Yeah, the Sixers beat the Suns on Tuesday evening, but they haven't won two games in a row all season. They're 0-9 on the second night of back-to-back games and that could easily be 0-10 after tonight. Philadelphia has been outscored by an average of 13.2 points in those nine games.

Making matters worse is that the Sixers will be short-handed. Jahlil Okafor won't travel to Detroit due to the flu. Okafor led the Sixers with 22 points in Philadelphia's home loss to the Pistons earlier this season. After sitting out on Tuesday, JaKarr Sampson is questionable to play due to an upper respiratory infection. Jerami Grant is also feeling sick but he started and played 29 minutes against the Suns. Isaiah Canaan entered Tuesday's game with sore wrists and left early with an injured ankle.

The Pistons, meanwhile, have the benefit of extra rest. They last played on Monday night, beating the Jazz in Utah by a final score of 95-92.

A loss for the Sixers tonight wouldn't be so bad. They only have two less wins than the Lakers so a loss would be welcomed for the tanking effort. So ... here's to losing!

The Enemy

Detroit Bad Boys

Prediction

Sixers lose, 100-91

Game Info

Tip is at 7:30 PM EST. The Sixers are in Detroit. Game thread will be up at 7:00 - don't forget to join us. Watch the game on CSN Philly. Listen to the game on 97.5 The Fanatic.