PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, EAGLES AND 2018 WISHES

" The Sixers won in Phoenix on New Year's Eve, revenging a loss to the Suns earlier in the season.The 76'ers have won two in a row, and went 3-2 on their road trip. Dario Sarac has stepped up the last few games; the team had a total of four players score 21 points or more against phoenix.

The Sixers had a nice January last year. Now is their time to make a push, especially with their west coast trips behind them.

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* The Eagles' opponents for the 2018 was just released. Some of the schedule was based on the Eagles' position. Here is the breakdown, aside from their divisional foes, the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins:

Home-

Falcons, Panthers, Texans, Colts, Vikings

A good home schedule next fall, with a nice mix of defense ( Minnesota) and scoring ( Atlanta) invading the Linc. The Houston and Indianapolis games should be home wins, if not exciting games.

Away-

Saints, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Titans, Rams

4 out of 5 above games are against playoffs teams, on the road. One trip to the west coast (Los Angeles- time to take over the Colosseum again?) and two Florida games ( Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, site of their Super Bowl match-up with New England in 2004).

Good road trips for the fans- Florida, California and New Orleans. Tough away games for the players, especially if Carson Wentz isn't ready for the start of the season.

Overall, it's a far tougher schedule than this season. Injuries and other variables change things as the season progresses, but on paper right now, 2018, especially on the road, looks challenging.

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It's New Year's Day  and it's time for New Year's wishes for all of our sports clubs:

Eagles-

For this season, it's a Super Bowl championship. Win one game in the playoffs. Win two games and the Birds go to the big game in Minnesota.

A wish for Carson Wentz to return healthy next season. Ideally for the starter- if not, soon after.

Flyers-

A return to the playoffs. A No. 1 goalie. A better coach.

Sixers-

For Joel Embiid to remain healthy and play back-to-back games. A playoff appearance for the team. Better luck in the draft lottery. A healthy and productive Markelle Fultz for the second half of the season.

Phillies-

A No. 1 or 2 pitcher. Rhys Hoskins to be as good or better for a full season as he was for 6 weeks at the end of the summer. Wild card contention. Mike Trout down the road.