NBA Matchup: Philadelphia 76rs vs Portland Trail Blazers
Date: 20th November 2021
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Eastern conference six seed the Philadelphia 76rs take on the western conference eighth seed Portland Trail Blazers. The Sixers would want to sweep the regular-season series as they defeated Trail Blazers 113-103 in early November.
Philadelphia 76rs season so far
The city of brotherly love has been the centre of the never-ending Ben Simmons saga this season. But still, the 76ers are steadily climbing to the top of the eastern conference. Philly enters the Moda centre in Portland on a positive note after ending their five-game losing streak against the Denver Nuggets.
The 76ers started with a record of eight wins and two losses. But injuries to key players Joel Embid, Tobias Harris and Danny Green have pushed them down the eastern conference pegging order.
Amidst off-court issues, public breakups and injuries, an unlikely duo of Tyrese Maxy and Seth Curry has emerged as the leaders of Philadelphia. Unaffected by the sophomore slump as he has more than doubled his offensive output with stats like 17.8 points and 4.4 assists. On the other hand, Seth Curry is having a remarkable year with career-high shooting splits of 51.5% (FG%), 93.5% (FT%) and 44.3% (3P%).
Portland Trail Blazers season so for
This season Portland has started the season slowly. With an 8-8 record, the Trail Blazers still don’t look like a settled team under first-time head coach Chauncey Billups. However, Rip City has still managed to maintain a stellar 8-1 home record after defeating the red-hot Chicago Bulls with an incredible comeback.
With Olympic gold medal winner and six-time all-star, Damian Lillard early struggles, co-stars CJ McCollum and Norman Powell have stepped up. CJ is averaging 20.5 points and has led the team in scoring. But, Portland’s key to success lies with Dame Dolla’s scoring which has dropped to career-low numbers (excluding the rookie season). If we only focus on the Chicago game, Damian Lillard looks like he is returning to his former self and uplifting the Blazers.
Philadelphia 76rs vs Portland Trail Blazers Match Prediction
Considering Portland’s home form, they jump out as clear favourites. But alongside, homecourt the Trail Blazers also have health on their side. With Damian Lillard getting back in his grove, the Sixers would need a flawless game to win.
Injury Report
Philadelphia 76rs:
Matisse Thybulle – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Aaron Henry – Illness – Game Time Decision
Danny Green – Hamstring – Expected to be out until at least Nov 22
Joel Embiid – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Nov 27
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard – Abdomen – Game Time Decision
How to watch Philadelphia 76rs vs Portland Trail Blazers?
The match between the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers will be televised locally by NBC Sports Philadelphia + and ROOT SPORTS. International fans can also catch live action online with an NBA League Pass subscription.
Also read: Kevin Durant Set to Feature in Damian Lillard’s Next Rap Album