2/10 @ WAS — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Washington comes in 0-5 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 124, shooting 46 percent and 33 from three, 17 free throws a game; Kuzma at 21 and Kispert at 21 a game. That is 5 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 8 a night. Without Bagley III (4 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. Philadelphia comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 115 a night and allowing 126, shooting 45 percent and 34 from three, 22 free throws a game; Maxey at 25 and Harris at 20 a game. That is 4 straight losses. Without Embiid (5 straight), Melton (14 straight), Batum (6 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. So: Philadelphia wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where Philadelphia has been minus-2 a night and Washington minus-8 and the turnovers, Washington giving it away 13 times a game to Philadelphia's 9. Call it Philadelphia 119, Washington 118, Washington keeping it close.

2/12 @ CLE — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Cleveland comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 101, shooting 52 percent and 39 from three, 16 free throws a game; Mitchell at 28 and Eva. Mobley at 18 a game. That is 5 straight wins. It has won the glass by 4 a night. One day's rest. Philadelphia comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 124, shooting 44 percent and 31 from three, 23 free throws a game; Maxey at 20 and Oubre Jr. at 18 a game. Without Embiid (6 straight), Melton (15 straight), Batum (7 straight). One day's rest. So: Cleveland wins, and the game turns on the defense, Cleveland allowing 101 a night to Philadelphia's 124 and the arc, Cleveland at 39 percent from three to Philadelphia's 31. Call it Cleveland 120, Philadelphia 109, Cleveland by 11.

2/14 vs MIA — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Philadelphia comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 114 a night and allowing 121, shooting 46 percent and 31 from three, 21 free throws a game; Hield at 22 and Oubre Jr. at 20 a game. Without Embiid (7 straight), Melton (16 straight), Batum (8 straight). One day's rest. Miami comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 102, shooting 47 percent and 35 from three, 17 free throws a game; Butler III at 20 and Herro at 20 a game. Without Butler III (2 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. So: Philadelphia wins, and the game turns on the defense, Miami allowing 102 a night to Philadelphia's 121. Call it Philadelphia 114, Miami 113, Miami keeping it close.

2/22 vs NYK — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Philadelphia comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 114 a night and allowing 119, shooting 47 percent and 32 from three, 20 free throws a game; Maxey at 23 and Hield at 22 a game. Without Embiid (8 straight), Harris (2 straight), Melton (17 straight). 7 days' rest. New York comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 109 a night and allowing 117, shooting 47 percent and 36 from three, 18 free throws a game; Brunson at 32 and DiVincenzo at 26 a game. That is 4 straight losses. Without Randle (9 straight), Anunoby (9 straight), Hartenstein (3 straight). 7 days' rest. So: Philadelphia wins, and the game turns on the arc, New York at 36 percent from three to Philadelphia's 32. Call it Philadelphia 116, New York 113, New York keeping it close.