NBA
Sixers Look to Continue Their Winning Ways Against The Trail Blazers
The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off of a 114-97 point win to the Utah Jazz on the road. They’ve had two days to prepare for their next challenge. Tonight, the Sixers will face the Portland Trail-Blazers, who lost to the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors last night. The big news for the Sixers is that they will more than likely have to accomplish this feat short handed.
The Sixers also might be without their All-Star center, Joel Embiid, who missed last night’s practice due to soreness in his left knee. There is a strong possibility that this ailment will keep him out of tonight’s game as well. If that is indeed the case, Mike Muscala will be asked to step in to a starting role at center with some mighty big shoes to fill.
Will Portland Bounce Back?
This will be the first meeting between the Sixers and Trail-Blazers this season. Fatigue could be one of the contributing factors that leads to the Trail-Blazers downfall. The Blazers had two standout performances in their previous outing against Golden State.
Damian Lillard scored 40 points and dished out 5 assists and Jusuf Nurkic finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. These two helped keep them in the game, but in the end they fizzled. They will require more scoring output from C.J McCollum this game. He scored 14 points on 6-17 shooting against the Warriors.
On the Trail of The Blazers…
McCollum’s counterpart J.J Redick drained six three pointers from beyond the arc, bringing his tally to 24 points against Utah. Ben Simmons took pride in silencing those in attendance at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. His triple double of 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists gave them a painful reminder as to why he was last seasons Rookie of the Year.
Also, expect Jimmy Butler to take a larger role in tonight’s match up as he will go heads up against the less well versed Maurice Harkless. Will the Sixers be able to capitalize on their height and size advantage to topple their opponents? Or will they miss an opportunity to earn their second win on this current road trip? Tune in to find out!
Written by Todd Smith
Photo Credit
Highlight Store via Flickr
