The Philadelphia 76ers look to continue their winning ways Friday night when they host the Portland Trail Blazers. The Sixers are 43-22 while the Blazers are 31-35.
Blazers vs. 76ers injures: 1 Questionable, 3 Out
On Friday, the Philadelphia 76ers will play home to the Portland Trail Blazers, hoping to extend their winning streak to four games.
The Sixers currently on a roll. They’ve won three in a row, and nine of their past 12. They’re now 43-22, only two games back of the second-place Celtics and four back of first-place Milwaukee.
On Tuesday, the Sixers capped off a good road trip with a 117-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. They went on a five-game road trip and won four of them.
Embiid once again played at a high level and produced a performance worthy of a Most Valuable Player award after only three quarters. Now that they had the game under control, Embiid could sit out the fourth quarter.
Embiid shot 13-22 from the field and 4-4 from beyond the arc. He also went 9-9 from the charity stripe.
Embiid has claimed, “I feel like I’m unguardable.” He takes satisfaction in the fact that he can play well regardless of who is guarding him. I want to prove to them that protecting me isn’t a breeze.
- James Harden – Active
James Harden (foot) isn’t on the injury report for Friday’s game versus the Blazers.
After sitting out the previous game with left foot soreness, Harden will be back in the lineup this coming Friday. It is expected that the star point guard will start at point guard alongside Tyrese Maxey.
In his last five games, Harden has averaged 24.4 points, 12.0 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 38.6 minutes per game.
The Blazers are now in the midst of an eventful road trip. They’re now 2-2, with losses to Atlanta and Boston and victories over Orlando and Detroit.
As of right now, they are 31-35, which ties them with Utah and Oklahoma City for 11th place in the Western Conference. The Lakers and the Pelicans are tied for ninth place at 32-34, thus they are only one game back.
Despite Jusuf Nurkic’s return after missing 14 games with a strained left calf, the Trail Blazers were blown out by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, 115-93.
Nurkic played the opening 17 minutes and contributed five points and six boards.
So far the Trail Blazers have won two and lost four of their six away games.
Similar to how the Trail Blazers handled him, Nurkic will see reduced playing time against the Sixers.
Injury report Blazers
- Anfernee Simons (Ankle) – Questionable
- Ryan Arcidiacono (Back) – Out
- Justise Winslow (Ankle) – Out
- Ibou Badji (Knee) – Out
Arcidiacono will sit out Friday’s game for the seventh consecutive week due to back pain. With no word yet on when he’ll be able to play again.
Despite missing the last four games with an injured right ankle, it is hopeful that Simons is listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup. Cam Reddish should continue to lead the Trail Blazers in minutes played while he recovers from his injury.
Injury report 76ers
- None of injuries.
