With the Philadelphia 76ers dropping to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference following their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, each game becomes more significant for Philadelphia.
As the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are battling for the No. 2 spot in the conference behind the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers are in position to face the loser of the battle, should they finish the season where they currently sit. But if Philadelphia could inch its way back to the fifth seed and stay there, the Miami Heat would become the Sixers’ first-round opponent.
So, again, each game means even more for the Sixers. And some of those matchups are more notable than others — some of which will foster a playoff-game feel.
Here are the Sixers’ five biggest matchups left on their regular season schedule:
5. Pacers at home on March 14
Naturally, a game against the team closest to the Sixers in the standings is huge. By the time the two faceoff, Indiana could have a larger lead — or the Sixers could be the No. 5 team in the East.
The Sixers haven’t gotten a taste of Victor Oladipo yet this season. The guard still isn’t at full strength, but he’s done well against Philadelphia historically, averaging 19.4 points per game against them as opposed to his 17.3 points per game against all opponents throughout his career.