SB Nation Philly - Sixers Inch Closer To Playoff Berth With OT Win Over Indianahttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2012-04-21T22:58:43-04:00http://philly.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27294682012-04-21T22:58:43-04:002012-04-21T22:58:43-04:00Sixers Beat Pacers 109-106 In OT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Sixers beat the Pacers 109-106 in OT, but will have to wait at least more game before clinching a playoff spot. The Sixers needed a win and a Bucks loss tonight, but Milwaukee beat New Jersey to stay alive.</p>
<p>The Sixers got 20 points from Elton Brand and 19 from Lou Williams as they halted the Pacers’ 7 game win streak. Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala were all in double figures as well.</p>
<p>The win pulls the Sixers even with the Knicks for the 7th best record in the East. The Knicks do, however, hold the tiebreaker so the Sixers would need to finish above them to jump up a spot. Of course, all that means is getting to face the Bulls rather than the Heat so… It probably doesn’t matter all that much.</p>
<p>Next is up the Nets on Monday. The <span class="caps">NBA</span> playoffs start next weekend.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/4/21/2966000/sixers-beat-pacers-109-106-in-otJason Brewer2012-04-21T17:48:54-04:002012-04-21T17:48:54-04:00Lou Williams Expected To Opt Out Of Contract With Sixers, According To Report
<figure>
<img alt="Apr 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Louis Williams (23) shoots a jump shot as Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon (25) watches during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kh5BmsKNoBmxbZi18YyG1DNeXYU=/0x194:466x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6371385/20120407_hcs_sy4_060.jpg" />
<figcaption>Apr 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Louis Williams (23) shoots a jump shot as Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon (25) watches during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Sixers leading scorer will likely be playing for another team next season. </p> <p>John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that Sixers sixth man, <span>Louis Williams</span>, will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a>.</p>
<p>Williams leads the Sixers in scoring and remains a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The 25 year old is one of the most underrated scorers in the NBA. If he signs with a team willing to give him a starting gig and the ultimate green light, he's capable of <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2011/6/6/2210734/monta-ellis-is-lou-williams-philadelphia-sixers-trade-andre-iguodala-sixers-trade-warriors" target="_blank">matching the numbers</a> of prolific scorers like Monta Ellis. Also, any team that starts Lou will probably be lottery-bound, just like <span>Monta Ellis's</span> teams.</p>
<p>Because the Sixers were in first place at the time of the NBA Trade Deadline, trading a key part of their team seemed unfathomable, but the correct move was to sell high on Lou, acquiring a key piece or draft pick to improve the team's future. The front office knew this day was coming and it appears Lou will walk and the Sixers will receive no compensation.</p>
<p><i>For more insight on the Lou Williams contract situation and complete coverage of 76ers basketball 24 hours a day, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/">Liberty Ballers</a>. </i></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/4/21/2965431/lou-williams-contract-philadelphia-76ers-rumors-nba-off-season-2012Jordan Sams2012-04-21T10:01:46-04:002012-04-21T10:01:46-04:00Sixers Vs. Pacers Preview: Philadelphia Could Clinch Playoff Berth Saturday
<figure>
<img alt="Apr 17, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers defeated the Sixers 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D4ZszjhHbJlvXnfOGjhEqn8ZSU0=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6567108/20120420_hcs_sy4_064.jpg" />
<figcaption>Apr 17, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers defeated the Sixers 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia 76ers could clinch a playoff berth Saturday night with a win against the Indiana Pacers and a Milwaukee Bucks loss. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> could potentially clinch a playoff spot on Saturday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> in Indianapolis. (Game Time: 7 p.m., TV Schedule: CSN Philly)</p>
<p>A win coupled with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> loss would be enough for the clincher. Even if the 76ers don't secure a playoff berth Saturday, they are sitting in good position to earn a postseason berth with a three-game lead over the Bucks entering the season's final four outings.</p>
<p>But if they are looking to enter the playoffs with momentum, the 76ers could use a victory against the Pacers. Philadelphia has lost 13 of its last 20 games and has won just two of its last 12 outings against above-.500 opponents.</p>
<p>The 76ers handled the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> 103-87 on Wednesday to snap a three-game losing skid.</p>
<p>The Pacers have won seven straight and 11 out of 12, all in the month of April. They helped Philadelphia's playoff cause on Thursday night by beating the Bucks, 118-109.</p>
<p><i>For more on the 76ers, check out<a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/"> Liberty Ballers</a>.</i></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/4/21/2964457/sixers-vs-pacers-nba-schedule-2012-nba-playoffsJay King