Key Highlights
- The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off back-to-back wins but face a tough test against the Denver Nuggets.
- Nikola Jokic is leading the Nuggets with impressive stats despite injuries to key players.
- The Sixers will be without several key players, including Embiid and Maxey, for this game.
- The Sixers’ backcourt will have their hands full against Jamal Murray’s strong performance.
Back-to-Back Wins and Westward Bound
The Philadelphia 76ers are on a high after two consecutive wins. They’ve handled the Brooklyn Nets and upset the Portland Trail Blazers at home, setting themselves up for a challenging three-game road trip that starts with the Denver Nuggets. You might think this is new, but it’s not always smooth sailing for the Sixers on the road.
The Home of Jokic
Denver has managed to put together a solid season despite constant injury issues. Sitting at fifth in the Western Conference and comfortably above .500, they’ve found ways to win even when their roster is shorthanded. Nikola Jokic’s stats are off the charts: 28.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
He’s been stuffing the stat sheet on 57.3/38.8 splits in 34.8 minutes of play. Without Embiid, the Sixers will have a hard time containing him.
Backcourt Battles
The Sixers are significantly shorthanded for this game. Tyrese Maxey is out with a finger injury, leaving VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes to fill in the backcourt. Grimes has been putting up impressive numbers: 22.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last seven games. The three-ball hasn’t been falling for him—only 19 percent from deep—but overall production is a welcome surprise.
Edwards’ Rising Star
Justin Edwards has quietly become one of the more encouraging stories on this roster. He scored 21 points in a win over Portland and has doubled-digit scoring in four out of his last five games, though he saw just six minutes against Memphis. At only 21 years old, he’s shown flashes of potential that suggest there could be a real player in him.
Outings and Injuries
The Sixers’ injury report remains bleak. They’ll also be without Kelly Oubre, Paul George, and Jabari Walker for this game. Dalen Terry is questionable with a shoulder impingement. For Denver, Watson’s return to the lineup will be crucial after his right hamstring strain.
A Uphill Battle?
The Sixers have done well grinding out victories despite being majorly shorthanded, but they’ll need some luck to bridge the talent gap in this one. The law of averages might be at play, though. If Denver was also shorthanded when these two met in Philadelphia and still managed a win, there’s hope for an upset.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
