The Philadelphia 76ers are riding high after a successful back-to-back weekend, securing wins against the Brooklyn Nets and pulling off an upset over the Portland Trail Blazers at home. Now, they're hitting the road for a challenging three-game stint through Denver, Sacramento, and Salt Lake City, starting with the Nuggets.
Denver has been a powerhouse this season, even while navigating a series of injuries. They’re sitting comfortably in fifth place in the competitive Western Conference, showcasing resilience and depth. Key players like Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson have all missed time, yet the Nuggets continue to impress.
At the heart of Denver’s success is Jokic, who’s once again delivering MVP-level performances. He’s lighting up the stat sheet with averages of 28.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting an impressive 57.3% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc.
With Embiid out, the Sixers face a daunting task in trying to slow him down. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have their work cut out for them.
Jokic’s supporting cast has stepped up, particularly Jamal Murray, who’s having a career-best season. Murray’s first All-Star selection is well-deserved, with him posting 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on efficient shooting. He’s been the steady hand for Denver, especially when injuries have hit, and will pose a significant challenge for a depleted Sixers backcourt.
Philadelphia, despite their own injury woes, has seen some bright spots. With Tyrese Maxey sidelined, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes have stepped into larger roles.
Grimes has been a revelation, averaging 22.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last seven games. Though his three-point shot hasn’t been falling, his overall contribution has been crucial.
Edgecombe, thrust into a more prominent role, is learning on the fly. The 20-year-old rookie is navigating the complexities of when to attack and when to distribute. He recently set a career high with 12 rebounds and will need to continue his versatile play if the Sixers hope to compete.
Justin Edwards has also been a pleasant surprise, quietly making his mark. He put up 21 points efficiently against Portland and has been consistent, scoring in double digits in four of his last five games. At just 21, Edwards is showing promise on both ends of the floor, averaging 2.4 steals over his recent stretch.
The Sixers’ injury list is lengthy, missing key players like Maxey, Embiid, Kelly Oubre, Paul George, and Jabari Walker. Dalen Terry is questionable with a shoulder issue. For Denver, Watson remains out with a hamstring strain.
Philadelphia has been gritty in overcoming their roster challenges, but they’ll need a bit of fortune to bridge the talent gap against Denver. The last time these teams met, the Nuggets were shorthanded and still managed to pull off a win in Philly.
Perhaps it’s time for the basketball gods to even the score. Can Edgecombe, Grimes, Edwards, and the rest of the Sixers pull off the improbable?
Let’s find out.