Nominally, Samuel Dalembert is the Sixers’ starting lineup.
Reality, however, says something else. In the first two games against Orlando it is veteran Theo Ratliff who is taking the bulk of the minutes at center, and with good reason. Despite his 36 years, Ratliff is playing tough against young superstar Dwight Howard.
“I used to be a smaller guy, but I’m not that small anymore so when people bang against me I enjoy that,” Ratliff said. “He’s a great athlete, a great player and he’s doing nothing but getting better. It’s a good time to be playing against Dwight.”
In Game 1, Ratliff played 24 minutes to Dalembert’s 17. In Game 2 he played 22 minutes while Dalembert played just nine.
Coach Tony DiLeo said fouls enter into the equation, but Ratliff finished with five fouls Wednesday night while Dalembert was on the bench with just four.
Ratliff isn’t complaining. After playing sparingly in the regular season he’s glad to be back in the thick of it.
“You go through a full season and nothing really changes about the routine you go through,” he said. “I’ve felt good all year. I’ve always felt I should have been out there, but it’s up to the coaches and their decision. But I welcome this challenge. I welcome being able to be out there on the floor and play against a guy of his standing. I’m just trying to help the team win.”