Sixers Face Mavericks on Second Night of Back-to-Back: What to Watch in South Philly
There’s no easing into the weekend for the Philadelphia 76ers. Less than 24 hours after taking down the NBA Cup champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Sixers are back on the floor Saturday night, this time at home against the surging Dallas Mavericks.
This marks Philadelphia’s sixth back-to-back of the season - and we’re not even at the midway point yet. They’re tied with four other teams for the most in the league at 16, and so far, they’ve held their own in these tough turnaround situations, going 3-2 on zero days rest.
Maxey’s Return Sparks Win Over Knicks
Friday night’s win in New York was a gutsy one. Tyrese Maxey returned to the lineup after missing two games due to illness and wasted no time reminding everyone why he's the Sixers’ offensive engine.
He dropped 30 points and dished out nine assists, showing no signs of rust. His pace, shot creation, and ability to control the game’s tempo were all on full display - exactly what Philly needed to outlast a tough Knicks squad.
But Maxey wasn’t the only one who stepped up. Rookie VJ Edgecombe continues to impress with his poise and two-way impact.
The first-year guard turned it on in the second half, scoring 18 of his 23 points after the break, shooting 10-for-18 from the field and 3-for-6 from three. He also held his own defensively against Jalen Brunson - no easy task - and came through in clutch moments that belied his age and experience.
It’s becoming a trend for Edgecombe, and Philly fans are starting to take notice.
Embiid Sits Again - What That Means Tonight
Joel Embiid was sidelined Friday due to a combination of illness and right knee injury management. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed both factors played a role in the decision, though noted there wasn’t anything new going on with the knee.
With no official injury report released yet for Saturday, Embiid’s status remains up in the air. Given that he didn’t play Friday, there’s a chance he suits up tonight - but that will depend on how he’s feeling physically.
Paul George, who did play in New York, hasn’t appeared in a game on zero rest this season. That could be a sign he’ll be held out tonight, though again, nothing’s confirmed until the injury report drops. The Sixers have been cautious with his workload, and this might be another case where they err on the side of rest.
Dallas Finding Its Groove Behind Flagg and Davis
On the other side, Dallas rolls into South Philly with some momentum of its own. The Mavericks have won six of their last eight and are starting to look like a team that’s figuring things out after a chaotic year of roster movement and injuries.
The biggest reason? Cooper Flagg.
The No. 1 overall pick is starting to look every bit the franchise cornerstone Dallas hoped he’d be. Over the last eight games, Flagg is averaging 25.4 points on 52.4% shooting, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.3 blocks per game.
He’s been efficient, confident, and unafraid of the moment. His last two outings tell the story - a 42-point explosion against Utah in an overtime loss, followed by a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double in an OT win over Detroit.
The kid is already putting up grown-man numbers.
Veteran big man Anthony Davis has also rejoined the mix after missing most of November with a left calf strain. He’s played in seven of Dallas’ last nine games, averaging 18.7 points, 11.3 boards, and over two blocks a night in just over 30 minutes per game. Davis is listed as probable for tonight due to illness, but assuming he plays, his presence will be a major factor - especially if Embiid is out again.
Mavs Dealing With Injuries, But Getting Contributions Across the Board
Dallas is still without Kyrie Irving, who remains out indefinitely following knee surgery, and Dereck Lively II, whose season is over due to upcoming foot surgery. Klay Thompson, dealing with left knee soreness, is questionable for tonight.
Even with those absences, the Mavericks are getting meaningful contributions from their supporting cast. P.J.
Washington has quietly been one of the team’s steadiest performers this season. He’s averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and has reached double-digit scoring in 19 of 23 games.
His size, versatility, and 7-foot-3 wingspan make him a constant presence on both ends of the floor.
Naji Marshall has also stepped up in a new starting role. Over his last eight games, he’s averaging 15.8 points while shooting a strong 6.3-for-9.9 from the field. He’s brought energy, efficiency, and some much-needed scoring balance to a team that’s had to adjust on the fly.
What to Expect Tonight
Back-to-backs are always tough, and this one is no exception. The Sixers are coming off a hard-fought win and could be without key pieces depending on how things shake out with the injury report. Dallas, meanwhile, is fresh off an overtime win of its own and has been playing some of its best basketball of the season.
The matchup between Flagg and whoever draws the assignment defensively - whether that’s George (if he plays), Edgecombe, or another wing - will be one to watch. If Embiid suits up, the battle in the paint with Davis becomes a marquee matchup. If not, Philly will once again rely on its depth and young talent to carry the load.
Either way, this one has the makings of a high-energy, high-stakes December showdown. The Sixers will look to protect home court, while the Mavericks aim to keep building momentum on their East Coast swing.