A look at the highlights from Episode 5 of the 76ersRoundtable podcast with Anthony Pasciolla and Anthony Aguirre.
The 76ersRoundtable Podcast is co-hosted by 76ersRoundtable publisher Anthony Pasciolla and Miami Heat and Hurricanes beat writer Anthony Aguirre.
Here are look at the highlights from Episode 5:
PAUL GEORGE'S RETURN FROM SUSPENSION
Aguirre: "Well, this is the kind of performance you expect when you originally signed Paul George. A guy who can step in when Joel Embiid's not playing, another guy who can step up. We all know Paul George is a star in this league, but just the fact he's finding some rhythm is meaningful for the Sixers. We all know how tight the Eastern Conference is, and for the Sixers, it's a meaningful win. Of course, it's just the Wizards, but every game matters... Great night for Paul George. If anything, this should give them some confidence the rest of the way."
Pasciolla: "I really like what Nick Nurse said postgame about George's performance. He talked about his leadership and just how he was aggressive right out of the gates, and I think that's what George needs to do, especially when Embiid is out... I like the way George was really aggressive… It's unusual for sure to say a 35-year-old is at his best at this point in the season, but that's what we're looking at."
PHILADELPHIA'S PLAYOFF CEILING
Pasciolla: "The Sixers' playoff opponent ranges from Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, and Cavaliers; those are the four teams they could potentially play. Out of those teams, I honestly do feel the most comfortable about them coming out of the series with the Knicks. I don't think they match up particularly against Cleveland just with Evan Mobley. I think he could give Embiid a lot of trouble. To me, the Knicks series does give them the best chance of getting out of the first round."
Aguirre: "You have to pick your poison... but out of all the snakes, you would definitely go for New York in this case."
Pasciolla: "If they do get past New York, we probably both agree that their ceiling is the second round. I just can't see them beating whoever they would face next [or imagine] Embiid's body holding up for a series against New York and then Boston."
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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.