Scouting the Sixers

On paper Philly (8-10) should be playing much better than it is right now. The Sixers were one of the hottest young teams at the end of last season and they built on that smartly by adding Elton Brand in the offseason. But it's taken a little while for the parts to mesh.

Brand's halfcourt game has slowed the fast up-tempo pace the Sixers developed toward the end of last season, making their new offense a bit stagnant.

Philly is averaging just 94.4 points a game, better than just six other teams. They've been able to tread water with an above-average defense (94.3 ppg) and some strong individual efforts.