Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Clippers
Local Time: November 17 (Morning)
The NBA regular season continues on November 17 as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams arrive with very different trajectories, making this matchup particularly intriguing. ✨
Philadelphia 76ers: Balanced but battling injuries
The 76ers have been solid overall this season. They opened the year with a strong four-game winning streak and currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference at 7–5. However, they are coming off a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Offensively and defensively, the Sixers remain fairly balanced. They average 119.3 points per game (6th in the East) while giving up 116.6 per game (7th in the East).
Tyrese Maxey has delivered a breakout, near-MVP-level campaign. He’s putting up 32 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game—firmly establishing himself as the new franchise centerpiece. 💥
Joel Embiid, on the other hand, has struggled with availability. He’s averaging 19.7 points and 5.5 rebounds but has already missed six games. Kelly Oubre contributes 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Quentin Grimes provides 16.6 points and 4.4 assists.
Rookie standout Rob Dillingham (Edgecombe) shocked the league early with his explosive scoring, though his production has dipped slightly to 15.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. The team has been waiting for All-Star Paul George, who has yet to play this season. Encouragingly, he is now listed as questionable—raising hopes for a potential season debut against his former team.
Los Angeles Clippers: Poor form and injury concerns
The Clippers’ season has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. With a 4–9 record, they currently sit 11th in the Western Conference.
Their struggles are evident on both ends of the floor. The team averages only 112 points per game—fourth-worst in the West—while allowing 116.8 points per game (9th in the West).
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined for seven straight games and Bradley Beal out for the year, James Harden has been forced to shoulder a massive workload. He’s delivered admirably, scoring a combined 77 points in his last two games. 🕯️
Harden is averaging 25 points, 9.1 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 36 minutes per game this season—a remarkable workload for a 36-year-old veteran.
Leonard, when healthy, has averaged 24.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. Ivica Zubac remains a consistent double-double machine with 16.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. Zach Collins and Derrick Jones Jr. also contribute double-digit scoring.
Notably, second-round rookie Jordan Miller has impressed in his last two outings, providing a rare spark. Meanwhile, veterans Chris Paul and Brook Lopez haven’t delivered consistent production.
Match outlook
The two teams have split their last ten meetings five wins apiece. However, the Clippers face significant disadvantages this time: they are on the second night of a back-to-back, battling multiple injuries, and Harden has logged heavy minutes recently.
Philadelphia is not at full strength either—Embiid, Oubre and Bona remain out. Paul George may return, but it’s still uncertain.
For the Clippers, Leonard and Beal remain sidelined, while the status of Jordan Miller and Derrick Jones Jr. is day-to-day following recent injuries.
Given the circumstances, the Sixers appear to have a clearer path to victory, while the fatigued, shorthanded Clippers may struggle to keep pace. 🏀
