Bedtime Fan Fuss - Rollercoaster season

Through 14 games, the 76ers are 7-7, sit atop the Atlantic Division, and score more than any team in the NBA. Let the rollercoaster season begin.

Games like today's loss the New York Knickerbockers should be common. I foresee the team winning against teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and both Los Angeles squads, but losing to teams like the Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. The problem isn't scoring, they average 103.9 ppg, the problem is an inconsistent defense.

Watching the game today, it seemed like most of the Sixers were just watching the Knicks score at will in the second half, waiting for someone else to make a play. When the team shut down Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, it was a group effort (even Kyle Korver played real "D" that game), and no one hesitated to make a play.

The other problem the team has is use of the bench. John Salmons and Steven Hunter are always ready to step in. But the team will also need to utilize the skills of Lee Nailon. He's a player who averaged more than 14 ppg last season, and now he's not even one of the top four players off the bench. In a game that was lost at the overtime buzzer, maybe his services could've been exploited for more than this line: DNP Coach's Decision. Nailon's a career 47% shooter, and he was relegated to nothing more than a spectator.

Make sure your seat belts are clicked and you keep your arms and hands inside the ride at all times. This is going to be one fun season as the Sixers will be involved in many shootouts. Too bad the early indications show that they'll likely lose half of them.