Game Preview: Sixers vs Wizards
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 and James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers speak in a break against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on October 26, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The Philadelphia 76ers are back home after spending seven days on the road, winning three of the four games on the roadie, improving their record to 4-4. Next up will be the Washington Wizards visiting Philadelphia for the back end of the home and home series between the two teams. The Sixers defeated the Wizards on Monday, 118-111. Here are a few keys to the game tonight:
- The 76ers have played with a very good pace over the last three games during their three-game winning streak. Speed, advancing the ball ahead and ball movement have been on display. Keep that same game plan going against the Wizards tonight. On Monday, Philly had 17 fastbreak points. Keep the defense on their heels in transition and secondary breaks.
- Joel Embiid’s status for tonight’s game remains up in the air. The All-NBA center missed Monday’s game in DC due to an illness, head coach Doc Rivers said it was more like “flu-like symptoms” for the big fella. He remains listed as questionable for tonight’s game. If they do get Embiid back this evening, continue to play with the pace and feed him the ball when the game slows down. Both can be effective for the offense. The coaching staff and players just have to figure out the necessary balance to make it work.
- Continue to let Tyrese Maxey work. He finished with a team-high 28 on Monday, averaging 29 points on the road trip that includes a 44-point game against the Raptors last Friday night. Through eight games this season, the third-year guard is posting 23.3 points per game and is doing so in a variety of different ways. Shooting from distance at a 45 percent clip, driving to the basket and finishing with the angles that he creates – and now we’re starting to see some midrange pull-ups. If he adds that consistently… watch out!
- Find more shots for Tobias Harris. The 10-year vet is putting up 10 shots per game and they need to help him get quality looks. Harris added 16 in the win on Monday, including a huge three-pointer late in the game to help secure the win. He can still give good production even as the fourth option on the offensive end.
- Defense, defense, defense. Washington has talented players on their side led by All-Star guard Bradley Beal and big man Kristaps Porzingis. The starting center led all scorers with 32 in defeat on Monday with Beal chipping in 20. Stay active defensively, slow down the perimeter scoring and the Sixers should be in a good spot.
With the way Philadelphia is playing right now, there is no reason the 76ers shouldn’t win their fourth game in a row tonight and keep the momentum going as they begin a three-game homestand.
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