By: Kylan Watson

With a big match-up on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Tonight’s match-up against the Detroit Pistons had all the makings of a trap game for Philly. This was confirmed through out the night as the Sixers just did not have it against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were able to take advantage of the Sixers bad play tonight and gain their fourth win of the season 119-104.

The Sixers were down one of their weapons as center Joel Embiid missed tonight’s game because of back tightness. He re-aggravated the injury against the Celtics. His absence loomed large as Detroit was able to attack the basket without much resistance from Philly. They were able to score thirty points in the paint and outrebound the Sixers by eight.  This created foul trouble for Philly defenders and a lot more shots for Detroit.

Philly had no answer for forward Jerami Grant. He had a better game than on Saturday where he only scored 11-points. He scored 25-points tonight and hit three three-pointers. He was unlocked tonight as he was able to keep forward Ben Simmons in foul trouble and take advantage of the smaller Philly defenders. Grant continues to have strong season for the Pistons.

His dominance also unlocked guards Wayne Ellington and Delon Wright who combined for 48-points. Philly just could not with stand this three-prong attack from Detroit.

They tried their best and early in the fourth quarter they were able to cut the Pistons’ lead to eight. However, every time the Sixers would mount a comeback. Detroit would go on a run, and if it wasn’t the starters it was their bench. Philly just did not have it tonight, and the effort was not there.

 It is going to be a struggle when Embiid doesn’t play, but against teams like Detroit it  should not be that much of a struggle. They will need to rebound if they expect to beat the best team in the Western Conference. Whether Embiid plays or not the Sixers will need more from Simmons and Harris if they want to be a championship contender.