Each team will be looking to gain the upper hand in this match-up as they are both currently hovering around .500 on the season. The 76ers sit at 9-7, while the Blazers are just behind at 8-8.
In their last meeting on February 11th, 2021, the Trail Blazers came out on top with a 118-114 victory. However, in their most recent meeting on November 1st, 2021, the 76ers got the better of the Blazers with a 113-103 win. The current win streak stands at one for Philadelphia.
The key to this game will be how well the Trail Blazers can contain the 76ers' superstar big man, Joel Embiid. Embiid is averaging an impressive 25.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game so far this season. Portland will need to use their combination of bigs, including Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington, to try and limit Embiid's production.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Blazers will be looking to get their star guard, Damian Lillard, going. Lillard is averaging 23.8 points and 7.2 assists per game this season, but has struggled with his shot at times. If Lillard can heat up and get into a rhythm, it will make life easier for the rest of the Blazers' offense.
The 76ers will also need to get contributions from players other than Embiid. Tobias Harris and Seth Curry have both been solid for Philadelphia this season, averaging 17.6 and 15.7 points per game, respectively.
Ultimately, this game will come down to which team can execute their game plan better. It should be an exciting and closely contested battle between two talented teams.
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