Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers
Yesterday at 03:00 AM
Victor Wembanyama gets a rematch with Joel Embiid as the Spurs look to stay hot.
It's not quite the night before Spursmas, but we are getting pretty close! On Christmas Eve's Eve, we'll be getting a basketball present in the form of two of the NBA's best big men going head-to-head.
Last time Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama faced off in an NBA game, Embiid put up 70 points as the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly beat the San Antonio Spurs 133-123. Wembanyama responded with 33 points. Wembanyama also played well against the former MVP in the Olympics over the summer. This matchup has quickly become a marquee clash of elite, versatile centers.
This will be Embiid's 8th game of the season, as he's struggled with multiple injuries. It's been a down year by his standards, as he's averaging 22.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 7 games. Those struggles have hurt the 76ers, who are struggling to keep their heads above water in the Eastern Conference. With a clean bill of health, the 6ers have the talent to compete with anyone. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
San Antonio has won two straight games against capable squads to put themselves in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference. They'll have their hands full in Philadelphia before heading to New York to face the Knicks on Christmas day.
San Antonio Spurs (15-13) at Philadelphia 76ers (9-17)
December 23rd, 2024 | 6 PM CT
Watch: NBATV | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)
76ers Injuries: Ricky Council IV – Questionable (knee), Joel Embiid – Available (sinus fracture), Eric Gordon – Out (oral surgery), Jared McCain – Out (G League), Matisse Thybulle – Out (knee)
What to watch for
Pace of play
San Antonio has improved their half-court offense since getting key players back from injury, but they are still at their best when they force turnovers and get out in transition. The 76ers have the slowest pace in the NBA. They have multiple half-court weapons in Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, alongside a good X's and O's coach in Nick Nurse. The 76ers are 14th in the league in turnovers, giving the ball up 14.7 times per game. San Antonio can create an advantage if they can get out and run against the slower 76ers. A game played in the half-court would help out Embiid and the 76ers.
Guard play
Embiid and Wembanyama will get all the attention, but the guards for both teams will be just as important. Maxey is one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. He's averaging 25.1 points, 5 assists and 2 steals per game. He's a pest on the defensive end that causes issues for opposing ball-handlers and is a microwave on offense who can make teams pay with his combination of speed and shooting. San Antonio has gotten up-and-down play from their guards, but Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle have really stepped up in the last two wins. Whichever team gets the most out of its backcourt could find themselves with the win.
Three-point shooting
Neither of these teams are scorching the nets this year. The Spurs and 76ers are in the bottom ten in three-point shooting this season. San Antonio can get hot from deep, but as most fans know, they can go ice cold, especially when they need it most. The 76ers are a top-ten defense guarding the three-point line but struggle to make shots from deep themselves. Controlling the three-point line will be key.
