Sixers Host Red-Hot Clippers

Photo By Mitchell Leff Getty Images

After an ugly win against Kyrie Irving and the Nets bench, the 76ers are looking to keep it rolling Friday when they take on the three seed in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, are looking to keep the momentum rolling after a down-to-the-wire victory against the Pistons, where they won 100-98 on a Reggie Jackson game-winner. The Clippers have won their last seven games, and only two games have been decided by less than 10 points, both against the Pistons.

The main keys to a Sixers win on Friday are of course going to be the play of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and how well the Sixers can defend George and Leonard. Embiid has found his rhythm again since his return from injury and is looking like the MVP once more. In his five games since returning from injury, Embiid is averaging 30.2 PPG, along with 9.0 RPG, and a ridiculous 11.8 FTA. Simmons who has struggled to score of late had a solid game against the Nets, putting up 17 PTS, 9 AST, 4 REB, and 3 STL in the win.

However, Paul George is going to be the man the Sixers will need to stop as he has been on a tear of late. In his last four games, he has averaged 34.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, and is shooting 55% from the field and 60% from three

Whether the Sixers can play a winning 48 minutes of basketball on Friday is yet to be seen, but with the race for the top of the East still, very close a win is crucial. If the Sixers can manage to keep George and Leonard contained, and Embiid and Simmons play well, the Sixers can leave Wells Fargo Center on Friday with a win

Game Time: 7 pm

Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia/ ESPN

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