5th seed is fine. The Sixers can take the Hawks even if they have home-court. The problem is making the 5th seed without Thad's scoring, since it looks like he'll be out until the end of the season.
Iguodala is a fairly reliable scorer, and Miller had been until lately, but it really was Thad and Igs that were winning these last few games. Replacing his 20 pts. isn't that easy. Obviously if Speghts can come in and give us those 20 pts. it won't be a problem. It seems to me that his offensive ability and his size make him a good combination with Dalembert anyway, so it would be simplest to put him into the starting line-up.
I think that we should see a lot more of Marshall and Ratliff. I think they can help with the making up for Thad's absent scoring as well, and possibly get some more three point shooting.
Of course all of this depends on either Willie Green or Lou Williams putting up 15-20. When both of them do it, we usually win, but it seems neither can be counted on from night to night.
I'm not sure how well we can do without Thad, it will require others to step up. If Speights is up to the task and the coach gives him the opportunity, it will make the Sixers a much tougher out in the playoffs once Thad gets back.
If we drop into the 6th spot or lower, then we end up facing Boston or Orlando. They'll have to play one of them eventually, but I'd like a round they can win first.
