The Philadelphia 76ers are riding a three-game win streak and have a chance to stretch it to four when they head to Los Angeles for a Monday night showdown with the Clippers. It’s a rematch of their tight November 17 contest - a 110-108 Sixers win - but this time, there’s a major difference: Joel Embiid is expected to suit up.
Embiid, who missed that first meeting, is officially listed as probable for Monday’s game. That’s a strong indication that the reigning MVP will be back on the floor, barring any last-minute changes. And make no mistake - his presence changes everything.
Through 28 games this season, Embiid has continued to anchor the Sixers on both ends of the floor, averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He remains one of the league’s most dominant two-way forces, and his return gives Philadelphia a serious edge in the frontcourt battle against a Clippers team that’s struggled to find consistency.
But while the Sixers are getting a boost, the Clippers will still be without one of their stars. Paul George is serving the second game of a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. He won’t be eligible to return until late March, leaving a significant hole in LA’s lineup.
The Sixers come into this one sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference at 27-21, looking to climb the standings as the season hits its second half. The Clippers, meanwhile, are 23-25 and currently ninth in the Western Conference, fighting to stay in the playoff mix.
With Embiid likely back in the mix and both teams jockeying for position in their respective conferences, Monday night’s matchup has all the makings of a high-stakes midseason battle.