The Sixers are one of the top teams right now in the Eastern Conference, mainly because of reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid. With him leading the way, Philadelphia have won seven of their last 10 games.
However, they have yet to face a squad like the Timberwolves in these past few games, who are also on a roll, putting the whole Western Conference on notice because they are currently the top seed.
Other than this colossal matchup, the Cavaliers, Pacers, Magic, Nets, Raptors, Bulls, Rockets, Mavericks, and Kings are scheduled to host the Jazz, Hornets, Heat, Knicks, Nuggets, Lakers, Hawks, Clippers, and Celtics, respectively.
Miami Heat @ Orlando Magic
The Magic have suddenly fallen back to earth after their hot run a few weeks ago because they’re currently on a two-game losing streak, with both defeats coming from the Celtics at TD Garden.
Franz Wagner has particularly struggled in those two losses, as he only averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on 32-per cent shooting. He was careless with the ball in the first game, with six turnovers, but he did have none in the second game.
Paolo Banchero was also inefficient with the ball with nine turnovers total, although he dropped a 36-point, 10-rebound double-double on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Heat are feeling good because they finally have Bam Adebayo back after being sidelined for seven consecutive matches. The two-time NBA All-Star had a full line of 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in his return to action against Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Philadelphia Sixers
The Timberwolves are one of the three teams to have already had 20 wins this season because they’ve won nine of their last 10 games, including a three-game winning streak.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards have picked it up lately on the offencive end, with the former dropping a 40-piece against the Pacers on Saturday and the latter notching back-to-back 30-point outings against the Pacers and the Heat.
To say that Joel Embiid is on a dominant run is an understatement because through his last seven games, he has averaged monster numbers of 40.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers per game.
Maxey, a legitimate Most Improved Player of the Year candidate based on the SBOTOP NBA 2023 odds, is fresh from a 29-point night in their 108-104 loss against the Bulls on Monday. Through eight games this month, he has posted norms of 23.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest for the Sixers.
New York Knicks @ Brooklyn Nets
A key reason for the Nets’ poor run of NBA 2023 results is because Mikal Bridges is on a cold stretch, having only averaged 13.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting a paltry 32-per cent from the field.
The same can’t be said, though, for his counterpart, Jalen Brunson. After dropping a career-high 50 points in their victory against the Suns on Friday, he followed that one up with a 22-point effort against the Clippers and a 29-point outing against the Lakers.
Brooklyn will also have to account for Julius Randle since he’s also on an excellent run lately, with norms of 27.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in his last five.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Chicago Bulls
The championship hangover must be real for the Lakers because they have only won once since winning the inaugural in-season tournament. After dueling with Luka Doncic and the Mavs, which ended in a close loss, the Lakers have alternated a win and a loss against the Spurs before losing to the Knicks.
With the game against the Bulls being the first of the Lakers’ back-to-back, LeBron James is listed as questionable to play tomorrow, although he has only missed two games so far this season.
As for the Bulls, they somehow managed to end the Sixers’ six-game winning streak on Monday. With Zach LaVine sidelined, Coby White has stepped up big, posting norms of 25.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 4.8 three-pointers in his last eight outings.
Boston Celtics @ Sacramento Kings
The Celtics continue their West Coast road trip with a tricky game against the Kings, who are on a three-game winning streak.
Golden State just defeated Boston in overtime, ending their own winning streak. However, the Celtics should be better tomorrow with Kristaps Porzingis rested.
Joe Mazzulla’s men will have to keep De’Aaron Fox in check since the Kings point guard is averaging 35.5 points and 6.5 assists per game on 55-per cent shooting from the field in his last two.
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