Two Big Games Tonight

It's been a good week for Philly fans. The Sixers and Flyers have both been on a roll lately, with neither team losing since last Friday, March 21st. Both teams have gone a long way to solidifying their playoff positions, with the Sixers becoming near locks to see postseason action. Both teams have tough games tonight, however, with the Flyers traveling to New Jersey to take on their nemesis the Devils, while the Sixers welcome in Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns.

The Flyers, despite winning 4 games in a row, will need to finish strong if they want to make the playoffs. With 5 games left, they are currently tied for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference with the Boston Bruins, and they are only two points ahead of the Washington Capitals. There is still room for the Flyers to move up, as a win tonight would put them only one point behind the Devils, who currently are sitting in the 5th seed. Of course, winning tonight is no easy task, as the Flyers haven't won in New Jersey in four years. For a great preview of tonights game, take a look at Bill Meltzer's write up at Hockeybuzz.com.

If the Flyers want to do any damage in the playoffs, they will need to finish with the 6th seed or better. Finishing 7th or 8th would give them a first round matchup with either the Canadiens or Penguins, two teams they don't match up well with.

The Sixers are in better standing after winning 11 of their last 13 games. They currently have the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, a half game behind the Washington Wizards for the 5th seed. The Sixers are nearly assured of a playoff spot, as they are 5 1/2 games ahead of the Hawks, the 8th seeded team in the East, with 10 games left to play. The Sixers also have room to move up, although it is unlikely, as they sit 3 games behind Cleveland for the 4th seed.

The Suns have come a long way since they lost to the Sixers back on March 1st. Shaquille O'Neal has acclimated himself to the offense, and they have won 7 of their last 9 games. However, they have lost two in a row to the Celtics and Pistons, two teams the Sixers have beaten recently. Either way, it should be a highly entertaining game, as both teams like to push the ball. Expect the winning team to score at least 120 points. The Sixers are a better defensive team than the Suns, but the question will be whether they can keep pace with them offensively.

Should be a great night of games, with even the Phillies playing a game at Citizens Bank against the Blue Jays. Also, don't forget that there are more college basketball games tonight, with Villanova looking to knock off Kansas. Have your remote ready and prepare for some great action.

In the meantime, be sure to vote in the polls to the right. How do you think the Sixers and Flyers will finish out their seasons?