As Ben first pointed out in the comments to our game preview, there's no Elton Brand for the 76ers tonight. He's out with a sprained right thumb. This clears the way for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum to wreck things up in the paint. They'll work against Spencer Hawes (dangerous shooter, bad defender), Nikola Vucevic (big but slow of foot, rookie), Lavoy Allen (also slow, also a rookie) and Tony Battie (Ratliffian). This here's the path of lesser resistance relative to Kobe trying to light up Andre Iguodala. One below-the-fold matchup to keep an eye on is Andrew Goudelock versus emerging point guard Jrue Holiday.
Finish what's left of your Super Bowl hooch whenever someone mentions:
- The 76ers' depth,
- How Kobe grew up near Philadelphia,
- Eli Manning,
- How Madonna's halftime show spelled out the words "World Peace," or
- How Doug Collins once coached Michael Jordan. (Obligatory.)
Please to comment nao.