Well, that certainly didn’t take long. The Philadelphia 76ers have played just four games with James Harden and have gone a perfect 4-0. Sixers fans have witnessed Joel Embiid, Harden, and Maxey absolutely dismantle the Timberwolves, the Knicks (twice), and the Cleveland Cavaliers just last night.

The Sixers are now 8-2 over their past 10 games and winners of five straight games. They are in second place in the Eastern Conference at 39-23, a game ahead of the third place Milwaukee Bucks and two games behind the East-leading Miami Heat, who they play tonight in South Beach.

The new-look Big 3 in Philadelphia has been one of the best in the NBA over the past week and continue to put up ridiculous numbers on the court together.

• First game: 89 PTS, W
• Second game: 87 PTS, W
• Third game: 78 PTS, W
• Fourth game: 80 PTS, W

Meanwhile in Brooklyn, things continue to trend in the opposite direction. The Nets are an even 32-32 on the season and have lost seven out of their last 10 games. Sure, they are dealing with injuries and only getting basically Kyrie Irving, but there’s reason for concern in Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons doesn’t appear to be ready to take the court anytime soon. The latest reports state that Simmons could be out until April. Kyrie Irving should be returning to the Nets full time over the next few weeks as vaccine and mask mandates begin to be revoked across America. Joe Harris is out for the season, and Kevin Durant has just returned from injury.

At the trade deadline, Stephen A. Smith was on national TV saying that the Philadelphia 76ers and Daryl Morey made a mistake in trading Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and Ben Simmons for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

Let’s take a quick listen to Stephen A. Smith talking to Kendrick Perkins after the trade.

A week later, it seems the narrative has completely flipped for Stephen A. Smith. Here’s what he had to say yesterday on ESPN’s First Take regarding the trade, Daryl Morey, and how he will likely have to come on television to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Stephen A. Smith Yesterday on First Take

“I’m incredibly sad this morning…” lol.

You know what? Credit to Stephen A. Smith. He might be the only person in the national media that will admit that he’s wrong about something. On the other hand, you have unknown television personalities like Michelle Beadle, Jason McIntyre, and Ric Bucher all talking out of their asses like they have never watched a game of basketball in their lives.

The Sixers have a tough game tonight in South Beach against the Heat on the second leg of a back-to-back. If they are able to pull off a win and move within a game of first place in the Eastern Conference, I fully expect Stephen A. Smith to come on First Take Monday morning and begin his apology saying something like this…

All is well in Philadelphia and there’s still time to get some great value on picking the 76ers to win the Eastern Conference. Get in while you still can.

Listen to The Misery Report.