You may have thought the Sixers, who didn’t have Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler, might have had a decent chance of beating the Mavericks, who didn’t have Luka Doncic.

You were wrong. Dead wrong.

The Sixers lost by 20 to the Mavericks on the road, which wasn’t good. JJ Redick led the team with 26 points, while Tobias Harris was right behind him with 25.

But it may have been good that guys like Embiid and Butler are getting rest as the playoffs creep closer. The Sixers need to go 2-3 the remainder of the year in order to lock up the 3 seed. And it looks very likely it happens.

The remaining schedule:

  • Wednesday: @ Atlanta
  • Thursday: vs. Milwaukee
  • Saturday: @ Chicago
  • Tuesday 4/9: @ Miami
  • Wednesday 4/10: vs. Chicago

Looks probable. They need to win three games to match their 52 wins they had last season. That could happen as well. But it’s all about staying healthy in time for a deep playoff run. The long-term thinking wins here.

Embiid won’t be with the team on Wednesday against the Hawks, but should play Thursday at home against the Bucks on national TV.

Peep Doncic’s Fresh Prince denim jacket:

The Roundup:

After starting the year with a home sweep, Bryce Harper and the Phillies visit the Washington Nationals for the first time this season tonight at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia +. Zach Eflin will take the mound for the Phillies against Max Scherzer.

Big news in the Harper household: Bryce’s wife, Kayla Harper, announced the couple were having a baby boy due in August.

As for the game on Sunday night, A-Rod called a cheesesteak a cheese sandwich (lol), and is Zack Hample cool or weird? Despite the good charity stuff he does, I still think it’s weird.

Jordan Howard had his introductory press conference with the Eagles yesterday and knew Philly would be his destination.

Here’s another Eagles-only mock draft.

The Flyers take on the Stars tonight in Dallas at 8:30 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. A win by the Stars means they’re in the playoffs. A win or loss from the Flyers means nothing because they’re eliminated from playoff contention. Cam Talbot does get the start in goal.

In other sports news, John Calipari is staying with Kentucky until he retires.

Jerry Stackhouse might become Vanderbilt’s next head coach.

Kenny Atkinson and the entire Nets staff are getting their contracts extended.

In the news, Wawa won bids for liquor licenses in Delaware and Philadelphia counties. Hell yeah!

19 people were injured in a stampede at Nipsey Hussle’s memorial. A suspect has been identified in his murder.