Last week started off on the highest of notes for the 76ers, but quickly fell apart in the following two games. The week was highlighted by Joel Embiid‘s 70-point masterpiece against the San Antonio Spurs. However, the team also fell to the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets, snapping a six-game win streak. The Sixers still sit as the third seed in the Eastern Conference, but they are now closer to dropping to four than moving up to two. A four-game slate this week for Philadelphia provides the opportunity to bounce back after two straight losses.
Looking on the Bright Side for the 76ers
The 76ers started with a dominating performance from Embiid against the Spurs dropping 70 points. Riding a six-game win streak, the team had all the hopes of taking a victory from the Pacers. However, Indiana without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton won 134-122 looking to crawl up the standings. The Sixers were with both Embiid and Tyrese Maxey who had a combined 53 points, but they were still missing Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton in the loss. In a highly anticipated matchup, Philadelphia also lost to Denver in a tight 111-105 game. This game, despite the L, was promising to many Sixers’ fans. A game-time scratch in Joel Embiid, along with Maxey, Harris, and others, dropped the hopes of a possible victory. However, Paul Reed and the 76ers’ role players stepped up to make the defending champs work for a win.
The Sixers’ Time to Bounce Back
The team is hopeful to regain their top three scorers ahead of a busy week of games. However, it is unlikely that their stars will suit up against the Trail Blazers tonight considering they also travel to Golden State tomorrow. Also this week, the 76ers play the Utah Jazz on the road and the Brooklyn Nets at home. The Sixers have some winnable games during the stretch and will need to bounce back from last week.
It is also worth noting that Embiid is just six missed games away from being eliminated from MVP discussion. While the reigning MVP has made it clear that a ring is the only thing on his mind, it does cause some worry about whether or not he can remain healthy for a potential playoff run. Embiid is the clear front-runner for MVP at the moment, and it will be a journey to track if he can play the allotted amount of games to earn his second-straight award.
