Through three games, the Philadelphia 76ers have far more questions than answers.
That happens with an 0-3 start.
Following season-opening losses to the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs, the Sixers suddenly face an interesting test when they host the Indiana Pacers on Monday.
The Sixers, who entered the season with high expectations, were stunned 114-105 by the rebuilding Spurs on Saturday.
In the offseason, the Sixers tweaked their roster with the additions of De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr., Montrezl Harrell and P.J. Tucker.
Not only does the team seem to be lacking chemistry, they’ve been dealing with All-Star Joel Embiid’s newly disclosed plantar fasciitis. Embiid appeared to struggle in the first two games and Rivers explained the level of play had been directly connected with an injury.
Embiid did produce 40 points and 13 rebounds against the Spurs.
Tyrese Maxey added 25 points for his second game of at least 20 this season.
In the end, the Sixers couldn’t make open shots down the stretch or get enough defensive stops. Yet there’s no panic.
After dropping their first two games, the Pacers picked up their first win Saturday, 124-115 over the Detroit Pistons.
Bennedict Mathurin led the way with 27 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 24 — including two late 3-pointers — and Jalen Smith had 19 points and 15 rebounds in the team’s most complete all-around performance of the young season.
It was also Smith’s best game and helped propel the Pacers to a much-needed victory.
Myles Turner suffered a sprained left ankle before the season opener and hasn’t played. It’s unclear if Turner will be available against the Sixers.
The injury has given extended minutes to Mathurin, and the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has taken full advantage.
Ask a veteran coach like Carlisle, and he expects the same thing.
