Sixers-Grizzlies: Keeping The Win Streak Alive

Now the winner of back-to-back games, the Philadelphia 76ers (4-10) are in hot pursuit of their third victory in a row against the Memphis Grizzlies (9-5).

A defeat of the visiting Grizzlies would give the Sixers their first three-game winning streak since they began the 2013-14 season 3-0. Memphis is riding a winning streak of their own, downing teams like the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Charlotte Hornets en route to five in a row.

The Sixers have been playing some of their best offensive basketball in wins over the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat, shooting 49.9 percent from the floor and 45.5 percent from three-point range.

Rookie center Joel Embiid has led the charge for Philadelphia on both ends, and his four late-game free throws and a steal helped secure a victory against a shorthanded Heat team. He’s the only player in the National Basketball Association to be averaging over 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals per game while also shooting over 50 percent from beyond the arc. That man is special.

There’s no word on his availability for Wednesday’s game, but a matchup against fellow three-point shooting threat Marc Gasol would be worth the price of admission. The 31-year-old Spaniard has never attempted more than 17 threes in a season leading up to this year, but he’s already taken 45 through just 13 games. He’s currently shooting 42.2 percent from the three-point line, which is better than sharpshooters like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Paul George.

Gasol’s teammate, a seemingly revived Mike Conley Jr., is currently tied with Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick for highest three-point shooting percentage in the league. The world’s richest point guard has been doing his best to prove that he’s still capable of playing at a high level after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign. He’s currently averaging career highs in field goal percentage, points, steals, and rebounds.

Memphis is also getting some offense from an unlikely source: soon to be 40-year-old Vince Carter. Carter is the team’s fourth leading scorer, and is averaging 11.0 points and 4.2 rebounds over the past five games.

The Grizzlies will continue to hope he can produce, because their options on the wing right now are extremely limited. Chandler Parsons is expected to miss at least two weeks with a bone bruise in his knee, while James Ennis will also miss two weeks with a strained calf.

Tip-off: 7 p.m.

TV: CSN

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic