Sixers Bell Ringer: Embiid-less Sixers trail wire-to-wire in loss to Pistons – Liberty Ballers

Note: There is no traditional recap post for tonight’s game. Let the comments fly here.

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Joel Embiid – 8
Tobias Harris – 3
Shake Milton – 3
Ben Simmons – 1
Tyrese Maxey – 1
Dakota Mathias – 1

Joel Embiid sat this one out due to back tightness, which seems to be the phrase of choice for the team this season when they want to give him a night off. In his absence, the Sixers looked nothing like an Eastern Conference contender, never holding a lead in an eventual 119-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Ben Simmons was in foul trouble whenever he was on the court and only logged 21 minutes. The Pistons hit nearly twice as many 3s as the Sixers (17 to 9) and converted more than twice as many free throws (32 to 15). It was a largely uninspired effort from Philadelphia, but let’s get on with selecting a Bell Ringer anyway.

Tobias Harris: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers

Tobias was the only one of the starters who stepped up his game with Embiid sidelined, coming one point shy of his season-high, shooting 10-of-19 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3. Harris did his best to kick things off for his club, logging 12 first-quarter points. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much help, as the rest of his teammates combined for just 11 points and the Sixers trailed 34-23 after one period. Harris also tried to pull Philadelphia to an improbable comeback victory, scoring seven points across a three-minute stretch midway through the fourth quarter, but the Sixers couldn’t string any stops together. Good try, good effort, Tobi.

Tony Bradley: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block, 0 turnovers

Bradley doesn’t see the floor often, so it’s not too surprising he had fresh legs and gave the Sixers a nice boost off the bench. Tony was active off the glass, collecting four offensive rebounds for a handful of putbacks. Unlike his center compadre Dwight Howard, Bradley didn’t go off chasing blocks and allowing easy second-chance opportunities. His solid play earned him the start in the second half from Doc Rivers.

Tyrese Maxey: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover

Maxey flashed good burst and displayed good defensive instincts on a handful of plays. In addition to getting to the cup, Tyrese had the jump shot working; his two made 3-pointers both came in deep garbage time, but it’s still great to see those shots go in for him.