It’s not fairly the evening earlier than Spursmas, however we’re getting fairly shut! On Christmas Eve’s Eve, we’ll be getting a basketball current within the type of two of the NBA’s finest massive males going head-to-head.
Final time Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama confronted off in an NBA recreation, Embiid put up 70 factors because the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly beat the San Antonio Spurs 133-123. Wembanyama responded with 33 factors. Wembanyama additionally performed nicely in opposition to the previous MVP within the Olympics over the summer time. This matchup has rapidly grow to be a marquee conflict of elite, versatile facilities.
This can be Embiid’s eighth recreation of the season, as he’s struggled with a number of accidents. It’s been a down 12 months by his requirements, as he’s averaging 22.3 factors and seven.3 rebounds in simply 7 video games. These struggles have harm the 76ers, who’re struggling to maintain their heads above water within the Japanese Convention. With a clear invoice of well being, the 6ers have the expertise to compete with anybody. They’re 6-4 of their final 10 video games.
San Antonio has received two straight video games in opposition to succesful squads to place themselves within the high 10 groups within the Western Convention. They’ll have their palms full in Philadelphia earlier than heading to New York to face the Knicks on Christmas day.
December twenty third, 2024 | 6 PM CT
Watch: NBATV | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)
76ers Accidents: Ricky Council IV – Questionable (knee), Joel Embiid – Out there (sinus fracture), Eric Gordon – Out (oral surgical procedure), Jared McCain – Out (knee)
What to observe for
Tempo of play
San Antonio has improved their half-court offense since getting key gamers again from harm, however they’re nonetheless at their finest after they pressure turnovers and get out in transition. The 76ers have the slowest tempo within the NBA. They’ve a number of half-court weapons in Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, alongside a very good X’s and O’s coach in Nick Nurse. The 76ers are 14th within the league in turnovers, giving the ball up 14.7 instances per recreation. San Antonio can create a bonus if they will get out and run in opposition to the slower 76ers. A recreation performed within the half-court would assist out Embiid and the 76ers.
Guard play
Embiid and Wembanyama will get all the eye, however the guards for each groups can be simply as vital. Maxey is among the finest two-way guards within the NBA. He’s averaging 25.1 factors, 5 assists and a couple of steals per recreation. He’s a pest on the defensive finish that causes points for opposing ball-handlers and is a microwave on offense who could make groups pay together with his mixture of velocity and taking pictures. San Antonio has gotten up-and-down play from their guards, however Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Fortress have actually stepped up within the final two wins. Whichever crew will get essentially the most out of its backcourt may discover themselves with the win.
Three-point taking pictures
Neither of those groups are scorching the nets this 12 months. The Spurs and 76ers are within the backside ten in three-point taking pictures this season. San Antonio can get scorching from deep, however as most followers know, they will go ice chilly, particularly after they want it most. The 76ers are a top-ten protection guarding the three-point line however battle to make pictures from deep themselves. Controlling the three-point line can be key.
