After defeating Brooklyn on Friday, Philadelphia will look to make it two straight wins as they host old friend James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Philadelphia 76ers are back in the win column after defeating the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, 113-98. They’ll now host the Los Angeles Clippers in the final regular season matchup between the two clubs, looking for their second consecutive win and first winning streak of the season.
Things have been gloomy lately, but the Sixers are showing some signs of progress, headlined by the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. The duo is coming off a combined 56-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist, and six-steal performance.
We all know what Tyrese Maxey is capable of at this point, but it was nice to see him get into a rhythm and be a focal point in a Sixers victory. His new backcourt mate, McCain, has continued to exceed all expectations and will look for his eighth consecutive game of scoring 20 points or more. Since becoming a starter, McCain has averaged 26.6 points and 5.2 assists across five games, while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 48 percent from three.
Outside of the backcourt, things appear to be trending in a better direction as you go down the roster. Guerschon Yabusele started the last game and played well, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 31 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond also performed well in their respective roles.
The Sixers will be shorthanded yet again for this matchup, as they’ll be without Paul George and Joel Embiid. Much like last game, expect most, if not all, the offense to start with the backcourt.
Speaking of guards, our old friend James Harden is returning to the Wells Fargo Center. After a scorching start, The Beard’s efficiency has steadily declined to the point where he’s only shooting 36.5 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three. His usage is through the roof with Kawhi Leonard sidelined, and he has been putting up stats across the board: 20.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game on the year. Not bad for a 35-year-old guard.
The Clippers will need offensive production outside of Harden — especially with Norman Powell, who has been excellent this year, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Look for the Clippers to run plenty of pick-and-roll game with Harden and Ivica Zubac. The Sixers have struggled to defend the pick-and-roll at times this season, and that will be a test for Yabusele and Drummond tonight.
On the year, the Clippers rank 25th in offensive rating and fifth in defense. The Sixers are trending up from their rock-bottom start, now ranking 28th in offense and 17th on the defensive end.
Can the Sixers finally get a winning streak going this season? Let’s find out.
Game Details
Who: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
When: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers