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The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the San Antonio Spurs Sunday evening as Philly holds on to a half-game lead for the Eastern Conference’s best record. The Sixers, 26-12 on the season, enter this contest winners of their last four games and 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Spurs hold respectable 19-15 record (7th in the West) while going .500 in their last 10.
Philly is coming off of a season sweep of the Washington Wizards, winning their third and final matchup of the 2020-21 regular season 127-101. In addition to marking the Sixers fourth straight win, the game was also Philly’s fourth straight contest scoring over 125 points. But the win came at a cost: during the 3rd quarter, Joel Embiid landed awkwardly on his knee after a dunk, causing him to exit the game early. While Embiid is thankfully in the clear in regards to structural damage, he was diagnosed with a bone bruise which will keep him on the sideline for the next two to three weeks. (Making the start in place of Embiid could be Tony Bradley, who made the spot start for Joel last Thursday against the Chicago Bulls while Joel was out due to COVID contact tracing.)
Now the good news is that Ben Simmons is scheduled to return Sunday evening against the Spurs — perfect timing. Simmons had been ruled out of the Sixers first two games post-All-Star Weekend due to COVID contact tracing. Prior to the All-Star festivities, Simmons had been playing some of his best ball of the season. Entering Sunday’s game well-rested, the Sixers could use a productive outing from Ben in Embiid’s absence.
Speaking of absences, the Spurs will take the court without DeMar DeRozan, who is away from the team for personal reasons. San Antonio will also be without LeMarcus Aldridge, who has missed the team’s last four games and won’t be expected back anytime soon ever.
Game Details
Who: Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs
When: 6:30 pm ET, Sunday, March 14th
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA TV
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @Liberty_Ballers