The Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers are set to square off tonight at the Intuit Dome in a matchup that brings plenty of intrigue - and a few key question marks. Both teams are coming off strong wins, both are eyeing momentum as the All-Star break looms, and both could be without their biggest names when the ball tips.
Let’s start with the Clippers. Their last outing was a statement - a 117-93 dismantling of the Phoenix Suns where the rotation looked sharp, locked in, and active on both ends.
It was the kind of win that shows why this team has championship aspirations. But tonight, they’ll likely have to do it without Kawhi Leonard, who isn’t listed in the rotation for this one.
That’s no small absence. Kawhi’s two-way presence is the backbone of what L.A. does, and when he’s off the floor, the Clippers have to lean more heavily on their depth and ball movement to generate offense.
The 76ers, meanwhile, are coming off a 124-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans - a game that saw them push the tempo and share the scoring load. But like the Clippers, they could be missing their franchise cornerstone.
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, and his status will be a game-time decision. If he can’t go, it’s a major blow.
Embiid isn’t just the Sixers’ leading scorer - he’s the engine. His ability to control the paint, stretch the floor, and anchor the defense is unmatched.
Without him, Philly has to get creative, especially against a Clippers team that can throw a lot of different looks at you defensively.
What this sets up is a battle that could come down to the supporting casts. With Kawhi likely out and Embiid uncertain, this is a night where role players will have to rise.
For the Clippers, that means more touches for Paul George and James Harden, but also more responsibility for guys like Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and Ivica Zubac. The Sixers will look to Tyrese Maxey to continue his breakout season, and veterans like Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. will need to bring both scoring and leadership.
And while the game itself is the main event, there’s been some off-court buzz surrounding Embiid as well. After the final 24-player list for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game was announced, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas didn’t hold back.
He took issue with Embiid’s omission, posting, “Naw, this ain’t it… Can someone tap me when the REAL ALL-STAR list is out?” He went on to say, “A one-legged Embiid is playing better than HALF this list.
I’d rather watch him limp up and down than some of these guys (NO Disrespect).”
Arenas’ frustration touches on a broader conversation about what the All-Star Game is supposed to represent. Is it a showcase of the league’s best talent, regardless of games played or team record?
Or is it a reward for availability and team success? Embiid’s absence from the list - whether due to injury or voter fatigue - has sparked debate, and Arenas’ comments reflect the sentiment that star power still matters, even when a player isn’t at full strength.
As for tonight, all eyes will be on the court - and on the sidelines - to see who suits up. Whether or not Leonard and Embiid play, expect a competitive, high-level game.
Both teams have plenty to prove, and both are built to contend. This one might not have all the stars in the sky, but it still has the makings of a must-watch matchup.