What’s up with the Sixers?
The Philadelphia 76ers are well on their way to the playoffs with a 45-27 record. Right now, they are simply trying to hold onto a high seed as the Boston Celtics (46-28) are right on their heels.
The big picture question for the Sixers right now is whether they can find the right consistency with their new lineup. Much has been said about the James Harden addition since the trade deadline and the team will continue to find the right rhythm heading into the playoffs. Have they figured out the right plays and right rotation? Has the loss of Seth Curry and Andre Drummond been hard to adjust to? What else does the tandem of Harden and MVP candidate Joel Embiid need?
Speaking of Embiid, the big man continues to be the rock for Philadelphia. Even if he doesn’t win the MVP award, he doesn’t need validation to be recognized as one of the best centers in the league right now. What he does need is a deep playoff run and a chance for the title.
Another thing worth mentioning for the Sixers is the rise of Tyrese Maxey. The sophomore guard is putting up head-turning performances with his scoring, defense, and overall in-game smarts. He’s poured in huge scoring displays, including a 33-point game against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier during this month. He is fresh off a 28-point game against the top team in the East, the Miami Heat, followed by 21 points versus the Los AngelesLakers. The Sixers have Harden, Embiid, and the likes of Danny Green and Tobias Harris. However, Maxey might be the x-factor that the team needs heading into the postseason.
What’s up with the Clippers?
The Clippers, meanwhile, hope they can secure a seat in the play-in tournament. They currently have a 36-38 record, good for the eighth seed. They are sandwiched between the seventh seed Minnesota Timberwolves (42-32) and the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angels Lakers who have identical 31-42 cards.
The Clippers have shown great grit and fight in a season riddled with injuries. They are still without their best players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Even new addition Norman Powell is out with issues with his foot. Robert Covington is also listed as questionable because of a hand injury.
Losers of four straight, the Clippers just need to hang on and stay within the play-in. They’ve shown they can be a pesky team, capable of stunning upsets and momentum-turning wins. They are led by coach Tyronn Lue who is adept at making adjustments on the fly. If they can get a few more wins and get their stars back, who knows what they can do in the playoffs.
Clippers-Sixers matchup
The last time these two met, the Clippers rallied for a narrow 102-101 win back in January. Led by Reggie Jackson’s 19 points, the Clippers erased a 24-point deficit in the second half.
As mentioned, the Clippers have had an uphill climb throughout the season because of injuries. But the resiliency and perseverance of the squad were in full effect in that road win in Philadelphia.
Saturday’s matchup will be different with Harden in tow. The Beard had a huge 39-point game against the Clippers but then as a member of the Nets and not the Sixers. With Harden now on their side, the Sixers will look to exact revenge on the Clippers.
Where to watch
Catch the Sixers take on the Clippers at 10:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines, available via Smart GigaPlay and Cignal TV.
