The Philadelphia 76ers will enter Saturday night’s clash with the Memphis Grizzlies on a three-game winning streak.
Their latest triumph came in a hard-fought 109-105 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, propelled by Tyrese Maxey’s exceptional performance, nearly securing a triple-double with 37 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. This win significantly aids the 76ers’ quest for a more advantageous playoff position.
Adding to their momentum, reigning MVP Joel Embiid made a notable return to action after missing 29 games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. Embiid’s impact was immediate, contributing 24 points in a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in the week and following up with 29 points against Miami.
Maxey attributes Embiid’s return as a catalyst for the team, stating, “We’ve been missing a key player for a long time, and having him back not only eases the burden on myself but on everyone in the organization.”
However, Embiid confessed that the injury took a mental toll, acknowledging he’s not yet at his peak, both physically and mentally. Despite this, he remains determined to contribute whenever possible.
Embiid’s season averages of 34.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game underscore his significance to the team’s success.
Philadelphia’s last encounter with Memphis, a 115-109 loss on March 6, occurred during Embiid’s absence.
In that game, Memphis was led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who posted an impressive double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds, supported by Vince Williams Jr.’s 17 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. This victory was part of Memphis’ previous three-game winning streak, a feat they aim to replicate against the 76ers.
Memphis heads into Saturday’s game on the back of a 108-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons, marking their first three-game winning streak since January. Despite facing various absences, young talents like Maozinha Pereira, with a career-best 17 points, and Trey Jemison, have seized opportunities to shine.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins commended Pereira’s impact, highlighting his contributions on and off the court. The team’s resilience amid roster challenges underscores their determination to succeed.
With key players like Jackson sidelined due to injuries and others absent for various reasons, Memphis continues to showcase depth and resilience in the face of adversity.
