What to think of the Sixers at the All-Star break?

A lot has changed since the start of their season, mainly the roster. Gone are Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Markelle Fultz (who possibly threw shade at the organization yesterday), and Landry Shamet. In are Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Despite the unbelievable starting five, the bench still needs improvement. And the team hasn’t done anything in the buyout market so far since the trade deadline last week.

But the team is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference and 1-7 against Boston, Milwaukee, and Toronto. That one win came against the Raptors sans Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka, and Jonas Valanciunas, so that doesn’t really count.

Right now, the Sixers aren’t an elite Eastern Conference team. I’d say they’re a very good team. If they can’t beat the teams above them, it doesn’t make them elite. They look great on paper and they’re all still meshing with each other. They have 24 games to at least get a first round home playoff series.

Elsewhere, Ben Simmons didn’t snatch his shoe from a fan. He gave it to a child. And you can also buy Sixers headphones.

The Roundup:


Could the Flyers acquire another goalie? The team is interested in getting Cam Talbot from the Oilers, who could help mentor Carter Hart.

Claude Giroux and his wife are having a son.

Take a look inside Lincoln Financial Field’s conversion to a huge outdoor ice rink.

The Flyers play Detroit in a back-to-back home-and-home starting Saturday afternoon. They hope to stay hot, and Travis Sanheim is one reason for their recent success.


Jake Arrieta says he pitched with a torn meniscus during the second half of last season.


In college hoops, James Madison edged Drexel 71-69.


In other sports news, NFL owners approached NBA commissioner Adam Silver about becoming their new commissioner.

Anthony Davis has a shoulder contusion. Could he play in the All-Star game?

Colin Kaepernick wanted $20 million to play in the AAF.

Mike Francesa approves the Joe Flacco trade.


In the news, a huge multi-million drug bust results in 11 arrests in Kensington.

President Trump will sign the border bill to keep the government open, but will also declare a national emergency.

Actor Jussie Smollett may have staged his own attack a few weeks ago.

The Oscars are next week. Here’s how to bet on them in New Jersey.