- The much-maligned Ben Simmons was brilliant last night in Brooklyn, scoring 31 points and leading the Sixers to a victory, taking a 2-1 lead in their playoff series vs the Nets. The team learned only 15 minutes prior to game time that center Joel Embiid would not play. Give the Sixers credit for rallying without Embiid and taking the lead in the series.
I have to wonder and worry how healthy Embiid really is, missing his second game of this series. He played in game 2, when the Sixers blew out Brooklyn, but wasn't himself. Game 4 is Monday night and I wouldn't be surprised if the Sixers hold him out again, saving Embiid for Game 5 in Philadelphia.
The 76ers seem to have too much talent- with and without Embiid- to lose this series. Milwaukee, Toronto or Boston will be more of a test in round 2, when once again, Embiids' health, Simmons' desire and Brett Browns' coaching will all be questioned again.
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The Phillies lost the opener of their four-game series with Colorado last night, 6-2. Zach Eflin was pitching five innings of shutout ball until surrendering a three-run homer in the 6th. J.T. Realmuto cut it to 3-2 in the top of the 7th with a two-run homer to right, but of course, lefty Jose Alvarez, a major bullpen disappointment so far, gave up a run to the Rockies, who proceeded to tack on two more. An error at shortstop by Scott Kingery opened the door for Colorado.
Kingery should be playing his natural position at second base and GM Matt Klentak needs to trade Cesar Hernandez for pitching. Defense was again key in the loss. Errors are like turnovers or penalties in football- they gave the opposition extra chances.
Amazingly, the Rockies won for the first time at home all season. They were 0-5 before last night at Coors Field.
Vince Valasquez goes for the Fightins tonight. Aaron Nola on Saturday night, a big start for Nola, who hopefully will get out of his funk, then on Sunday it';s Jared Eichoff starting his first game of the season after an impressive relief session earlier this week, throwing four shutout innings vs the Mets.
Bryce Harper is in a 2 or 14 slump lately, but I'm not worried. His presence alone in the lineup makes everything different.
Roman Quinn gets another shot at making a statement in the majors. Odubel Herrera is on the IL for 10 days with a hamstring issue. Quinn should get most, if not all of the playing time in center field.
With his speed Quinn brings something lacking in the Phillies; lineup.He batted 6th last night and went hit less. A healthy Quinn, playing good ball could make Herrera expendable down the road,. A Quinn who gets hurt again or can't handle big league pitching will slowly fade out of the Phillies' long-term plans and Herrera will become until their next center field prospect ( Adam Heasley or Mickey Moniak) is ready.
Generally a trip to Colorado is a starting or ending place to a visit to the West coast. Not so this year, as the club goes on to New York on Monday for a three-game set with the Mets in New york. The Phillies have two trips to the West Coast this season, one in late May and early June when they visit Los Angeles and San Diego, and the other later in the summer when San Francisco and Arizona are on the docket.
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