After missing three weeks worth of NBA action, Joel Embiid is set for a return when the Sixers host the Timberwolves.
Elsewhere, triple-double machines Luka Doncic and Russell Westbrook meet in an explosive affair, while the Pistons, Heat, Spurs, Jazz, Blazers, and Kings are all slated to defend home court.
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Dallas Mavericks @ Washington Wizards
Two of the league’s do-it-all guards are to be featured in this mouthwatering clash at the nation’s capital.
Luka Doncic aim to extend the Mavericks’ win streak to four games while Russell Westbrook is eager to snap the Wizards’ two-game skid.
The question for the Wizards will be Bradley Beal’s status given he has missed three straight matches due to a bruised hip. The sharpshooter is considered questionable for tomorrow and it will be a big blow for Washington if he misses another game.
Wizards guard Russell Westbrook goes after a loose ball as Pistons guard Saben Lee defends
New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons
The Knicks hope to cure their ills when they meet the East’s bottom team in the Pistons on the road.
New York are losers of three consecutive games while Detroit broke out of their rut with a win over the Wizards last Thursday.
Julius Randle has been the consistent bright spot for the Knicks but he will definitely need ample support from his other teammates.
His frontcourt partner RJ Barrett had a lacklustre outing in the last time out due to a bum ankle and he should have a bounce back performance for this favourable matchup.
The Pistons, meanwhile, will be led by the trio of Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Josh Jackson.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Miami Heat
Victor Oladipo is eager to remind everyone what he’s fully capable of as he’ll get to play his second game in a Heat uniform.
His first outing leaves much to be desired statistically but his presence on the perimeter was felt right away on the defensive end.
Oladipo and the Heat will certainly have their hands full against the playoff-chasing Cavaliers.
Collin Sexton and Darius Garland can get hot on any given night, while veterans Kevin Love, Cedi Osman, and Matthew Dellavedova are going to be auxiliary players who can help on both ends.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Philadelphia Sixers
Tomorrow’s game against the Timberwolves provides a great opportunity for Joel Embiid to re-assert his MVP credentials.
The Cameroonian international had to sit out 10 games due to a hyperextended knee, but that never hindered the Sixers’ progress.
Philadelphia have gone 7-3 without Embiid, which means that their NBA 2021 odds to become the East’s leaders will improve as soon he gets back at full strength.
On the other hand, Karl-Anthony Towns has been playing out of his mind lately as he has notched five straight double-doubles while shooting an elite clip from deep.
Indiana Pacers @ San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs look to improve their home record as they host the Pacers tomorrow.
San Antonio are 2-5 in their last seven home games and they’re barely keeping their heads above water as they try to hang on to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Gregg Popovich is optimistic that the Spurs can win because of the Pacers’ subpar play lately. Indiana have lost three straight games and their alpha dog in Domantas Sabonis is doubtful to play due to a sprained ankle.
Orlando Magic @ Utah Jazz
The Jazz are back on top of the Western Conference and they are keen on sustaining their run against the Magic.
Quin Snyder’s side are winners of eight straight games as they continue to overwhelm their opponents on the offensive end.
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are putting up strong numbers on a consistent basis and they’ll give the Magic all they can handle.
The Magic, meanwhile, have been the low-key winners of the trade deadline alongside the Nuggets as they are enjoying a two-game win streak while the Bulls and Celtics have yet to win a game.
Wendell Carter Jr. is playing well for his new team while Chuma Okeke and Terrence Ross have provided stability on the offensive end.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers will look for a bounce back when they host the Thunder for the second game of their homestand.
Portland are reeling from a three-game home skid as they took one on the chin in their game against Milwaukee last Friday.
Fortunately for the Blazers, the Thunder won’t pose the same threat that the Bucks did as OKC have the 29th-ranked offence in the league.
Thunder youngsters Moses Brown, Theo Maledon, and Aleksej Pokusevski will face the daunting task of trying to outplay the Blazers duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Sacramento Kings
The Kings’ defence will be in for a long night as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s efficiency has been off the charts lately.
The Greek Freak was responsible for spoiling Andre Drummond’s Lakers debut and dismantling the Blazers, while achieving a major milestone in the process.
Antetokounmpo’s 18-for-18 shooting against Portland tied Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most two-points attempts without a miss in an NBA game. He also became the first player since 1967 to register 45 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 85-per cent from the field.
The Bucks should continue to ride the hot hand in order to sink the Kings, who have fallen back to earth with back-to-back losses against the Spurs and Lakers.
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The post NBA: Joel Embiid Ready to Make His Return For the Sixers appeared first on SBOTOP.