Sixers Hold 3-0 Series Lead While Eagles Prepare for NFL Draft

Just because Philadelphia 76ers lead the Brooklyn Nets 3-0 in their first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs doesn't mean this has been a cakewalk for the Sixers.  Three wins already in this series is very comforting even if the wins are not necessarily "pretty".  The Sixers can close out the series on Saturday Afternoon with a win in game four in Brooklyn and make sure they can rest up before their second round matchup.  The Nets have come to play in Games Two and Three, with Thursday night showcasing some extra tension and physicality.  In the playoffs, tensions are always high but the Nets have their backs against the wall, have decided with the direction of their Head Coach Jacque Vaughn, picked up the physicality extra in game three.  One player from each team was ejected in the second half as the game came down to the wire.  The Sixers won 102-97 as Sixers MVP Joel Embiid was held to 14 points.  Tyrese Maxey has been clutch for the Sixers in this series, averaging 23.7 Points Per Game and shooting 53.8 Percent from three-point range.

The Phillies are 8-12 in the early going this season as they await the return of 2021 National League MVP Bryce Harper.  Harper is getting closer to his return from Tommy John surgery and he even took batting practice in a simulated session from Ranger Suarez who also continues to improve.  The Phillies are hosting the Colorado Rockies this weekend after a 4-3 road trip.  The Phillies need a strong outing from Aaron Nola on Friday Night and Zack Wheeler on Sunday if they want to win this four game set.

The Eagles are preparing for the 2023 NFL draft and they are in the unique position of owning two first-round picks.  General Manager Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni held a press conference on Thursday but they didn’t divulge any details or hints about who they are targeting for next Thursday night.  This weekend in The Locker Room with Billy Schweim we will talk about all the hot topics in Philly Sports!

On Saturday’s show, Josh Hennig will wear two hats producing the show and co-hosting with me in the studio.  We will recap the Sixers versus Nets first three games and preview game four Saturday afternoon 1pm tip-off (which you can hear on 973 ESPN!).  The Sports Book Consigliere Dave Sharapan checks in from Las Vegas and will give us his thoughts on the NBA Playoffs and Major League Baseball.  In Hour Two we will hear from John McMichael who is an assistant principal of school counseling at Audubon High School. John ran in the 127th prestigious Boston Marathon and finished the race clocking in at 3:13:34 - John will tell us about his experience running in this year's race. 

On Sunday’s show, Mike Carlin joins me in the studio as we will review the Sixers-Nets Game Four and talk about what is next for our 76ers.  Every Sunday we go “On the Mound” with former Phillies Pitcher Tommy Greene, brought to you by the John R Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.  Tommy will analyze the Phillies week and previews Sunday’s game against the Rockies.  In Hour Two we have a special guest joining us in the Studio: Long-time NFL Coach who is the former Defensive Coordinator with the Bengals and Raiders Paul Guenther will share his expertise on what players the Eagles should pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

We have Phillies, Sixers, Eagles Draft talk and more this weekend in The Locker Room with Billy Schweim heard every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to Noon on 97.3 ESPN Radio!