Sixers Look to be Gearing for the Playoffs

Since the beginning of what became a crazy regular season, the Sixers had one goal, head into the playoffs healthy. After an unfortunate turn of events, it looks like we might not see Ben Simmons again this season. Following the injury to the two-time All-Star, it looks like Brett Brown is not taking any more chances. 

Heading into the only back to back in their seeding games the Sixers' injury report is stacked. There is a good chance we see a very depleted Sixers' lineup against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. 

Sixers Injury Report (8/10)

Tobias Harris (ankle) - questionable 

Al Horford (knee soreness) - questionable 

Josh Richardson (rest) - out 

Ben Simmons (left knee) - out 

Joel Embiid (left ankle) - out 

With the Sixers pretty much locked into the sixth seed in the conference, they look to be mailing in their final three seeding games. Although this is how the injury report looks now, things could change. Brett Brown told the media on Monday evening that he expects Joel Embiid to take the floor again before the playoffs begin.  

This looks like a smart move for Brett Brown and the Sixers. Between the injury to Simmons and the scare with Embiid against the Blazers, there is no reason to be taking any more chances. Especially with their playoff spot almost solidified. It's time to get the team ready to face off against the Boston Celtics, who look to be their opponent in the first round. 

Resting the core of the team can be a positive for the Sixers. This gives Brett Brown a great chance to see what he has in his role players. Now that Glenn Robinson III and Mike Scott have returned from injury this second unit is at full health. Brett Brown now has a great opportunity to lock in the guys who are going to see key minutes in the playoffs. 

It looks like the focus has become getting ready for the playoffs, and having all the guys healthy is a must. There is no sense in rolling out the stars and having them log big minutes when there isn't much to gain in winning the games. Brett Brown should just use the remaining seeding games to figure out his second unit and lock in the nine-man playoff rotation. 

One downside with this move is we will not get to see how the Sixers match up to potential contenders like the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. But with the injury luck the Sixers have had in the past, it is better to be safe than sorry moving forward. 

Kevin McCormick is the 76ers insider for 97.3 ESPN and 76ers editor for Sportstalkphilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinMcC973.