The Philadelphia 76ers aim to extend their win streak to three games as they visit the Clippers in Los Angeles at 11:00 AM on NBA League Pass.
What’s up with the Clippers?
The Clippers continue to be a confounding case in the Western Conference. They are clinging on to the sixth seed with a 23-22 record despite suffering a six-game losing streak to start the new year.
On paper, the Clippers are set to be a legitimate contender for a playoff spot. However, their lack of consistency and erratic plays mostly stems from injuries. It seems the question for them every game is “who will play?” And we’re not just talking about Paul George or Kahwi Leonard. It was reported earlier this week that John Wall is nursing an abdominal injury that will sit him out for at least two weeks. Health has been an issue for this Los Angeles squad for the last several years and it continues to be the case this season. Add the fact that the team prioritizes load management, it’s hard to get a grasp of who will suit up for them.
Nonetheless, the Clippers are in the postseason hunt because they’re able to string good stretches of basketball. They also remain an interesting watch because of how much potential they hold. Their roster is unique and versatile led by their bevy of lengthy forwards and swingmen.
Take for example their current lineup without Wall as well as shooting guard Luke Kennard who’s also out because of his calf. Coach Ty Lue has the luxury to deploy a five of Terance Mann, Marcus Morris Sr., Norman Powell, and Nicolas Batum alongside Leonard. That’s a scary sight to see despite lacking a true ball handler. You can also slide in Ivica Zubac in there to provide some height and heft especially to go up against imposing bigs like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic.
The absence of Wall might hurt the Clippers in their next set of games but just as they’ve been doing for most of the season, they’ll have to make do with what they have.
What’s up with the Sixers?
The Sixers are fresh off two narrow victories over the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, improving their record to 27-16. Looking at the standings, the top six teams in the East look like traffic in rush hour. You have the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and even the resurgent New York Knicks right in the thick of things.
But the Sixers always being in the playoff mix has almost been an afterthought thanks to Joel Embiid. He’s Philadelphia’s MVP and he remains to be a strong contender this year for the individual award. He might not be getting the buzz he got in the last two seasons but that’s because of how insane Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have been playing as of late. But don’t be fooled. Embiid is still at the peak of his powers with averages of 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Embiid is still putting up monster numbers and the sad thing about it is that he might not even get the starter nod in the All-Star Game. With Kevin Durant currently being one of the leaders in voting, that only leaves two other stars for the East frontcourt. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a close second while Jayson Tatum is right behind. Still, Embiid is a beast and should probably get more love with his consistent play.
Against the Clippers, expect Embiid to put up another huge line. Zubac will do his best to contain the Philadelphia big man, but the edge, of course, goes to Embiid.
