The rare game where the Sixers might get out-tanked.
With just three games remaining in the 2024–25 season, the Philadelphia 76ers head to Washington, D.C. for their final road matchup of the year. Both teams — who have racked up a combined 115 losses — are set to deliver the ultimate showcase in tanking.
The Sixers are coming off their 12th straight loss, a streak that now equals more than half of their total wins this season. The Wizards, meanwhile, are riding a comparatively modest two-game skid — but they’ve dropped eight of their last 10. It’s late in the regular season, and while the playoffs are out of reach, both teams have their own reasons for not being too eager to win this one.
On the Wizards’ side, they’re jockeying for draft position. As it stands, Washington is 1.5 games behind the Utah Jazz and holds a two-game “lead” over the Charlotte Hornets. With only a handful of games remaining, a loss would help solidify their spot near the top of the draft order.
Last night featured another tank-off, this time between the Brooklyn Nets and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Nets came out victorious, locking the Sixers into no worse than fifth in the reverse standings. Technically, Philadelphia can still catch the Pelicans, but it’s highly unlikely — they’d need to win multiple of their remaining three games while the Sixers lose out the rest of the way.
With most eyes on the reverse standings, there’s still an actual basketball game to be played tonight. And although the matchup is likely to showcase plenty of fringe NBA talent, there are still a few things worth watching — beyond which team walks away with the coveted L.
Adem Bona is playing the best basketball of his young career, thriving with the increased opportunity left by the absences of Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. Over his last 12 games, he’s averaged 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.3 steals in 28.2 minutes per game. He’s shooting an efficient 69.5 percent from the field while keeping his fouls in check at a modest 3.1 per game. For a second-round pick once seen as a long-term project, Bona has shown impressive growth in his rookie season.
The Wizards have a promising rookie big of their own showing signs of growth. Bona will have his hands full tonight, likely drawing the assignment of guarding Alex Sarr. The second overall pick in last year’s draft has been productive lately, averaging 15.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over his last seven games. Sarr is unconventional for a big man, often operating on the perimeter, which will force Bona to step outside his comfort zone — a potentially valuable test for the Sixers’ emerging young center.
Lottery pick Carlton “Bub” Carrington has also been playing some of his best basketball lately, averaging 21.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds over his last three games. During that stretch, he’s shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The Sixers have three games remaining, and the potential to close out the season with a 15-game losing streak is still on the table. Can they out-tank one of the best tanking teams in the NBA? Let’s find out.
Game Details
When: Monday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers