The Philadelphia 76ers are determined to reclaim their momentum this season as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. Currently holding a record of 7-5, the Sixers started strong with a 4-0 run but have cooled off recently, notably suffering a disappointing 114-105 defeat to a depleted Detroit Pistons squad.
As they approach a matchup against the underperforming Clippers, who sit at 4-9 in the Western Conference, the Sixers are confronted with injuries to key players. Adem Bona will be out with a right ankle sprain, and Kelly Oubre Jr. is sidelined due to a left knee sprain, as he consults specialists about his injury. Superstar Joel Embiid is also missing due to right knee soreness.
There is however some optimism for the Sixers, as Paul George has been upgraded to questionable for his potential debut, which could significantly impact the game, especially with Oubre unavailable. Additionally, Jared McCain has returned from the G League, adding to the team’s depth.
The Clippers are also grappling with challenges, including the absence of Kawhi Leonard due to a right ankle sprain and Bradley Beal who is out for the season after undergoing hip surgery. Despite adding players like John Collins and Brook Lopez to their lineup, Los Angeles has struggled offensively, ranking 21st in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating so far this season.
For the Sixers, James Harden has been a bright spot, averaging an impressive 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. His recent performances, including several high-scoring outings, will be pivotal in the matchup. The team’s dynamic guard play, complemented by their shooting ability, could pose significant challenges for L.A.’s struggling defense.
Younger players like VJ Edgecombe, despite having some downturns in recent weeks, showed promise in a previous game against the Pistons with notable stats. His performance, along with that of Andre Drummond, will be crucial in countering the Clippers’ size advantage, particularly with Bona out.
As the Sixers enjoy a slight advantage of two days’ rest, the teams will clash at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This matchup offers the Sixers an opportunity to bounce back and regain their early-season form against a Clippers team that has yet to find its stride.
The anticipated game is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on NBC Sports Philadelphia or follow it on local radio. With both teams facing their share of challenges, this game is poised to be an interesting contest with the potential for the Sixers to get back on track.