After starting the season at 5-0 and then losing three in row, the Sixers are now on a winning streak. They stand at 7-3 on the season after their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night.
Here are some key things to watch out for in tonight’s matchup.
Joel Embiid Status:
Before the Sixers took on the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, Sixers coach Brett Brown said that he is not sure about Joel Embiid playing against the Magic as they play their first set of back to back games. Embiid finished with 27 points in the comeback win over the cavs.
Embiid was listed as OUT on the 1:30PM NBA Injury report due to left knee soreness. The final update will come at 5:30 PM.
Al Horford returns:
After missing last nights win against Cavs for a scheduled rest day, Al Horford will return to game action when the Sixers take on Orlando. This is crucial given that the team will be without their premier big-man in Joel Embiid. Horford’s defensive presence has been a welcome addition to the team and they’re bound to lean on him a little more tonight.
Ben Simmons returned to game action:
Last night marked the first time that Ben Simmons saw in-game action after missing the last two with a shoulder injury. Simmons would finish with 15 points.
First set of Back-to-back games:
For the first time this season, the 76ers are set complete their first set of back to back games. This time last year when the Sixers played in their first set of back to back games, they lost to Pistons & Bucks.
2019 is already off to a much better start given that the team took down the Cavs, but can they extend their winning streak to 3? The next time they will haveto play in back-to-back games will be on November 22nd & 23rd when they take on Spurs & Heat at the Wells Fargo Center.
First time playing Markelle Fultz:
Tonight will be the first time that the Sixers will be playing against a familiar face in the way of 2017 number 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz. The team traded Fultz during the 2018-19 season after a tumultuous start to his NBA career.
What is upcoming for the Sixers:
November 15 at Oklahoma City Thunder at 8PM
November 17 at Cleveland Cavaliers at 3PM
November 20 vs New York Knicks at 7PM
November 22 vs San Antonio Spurs at 8PM
November 23 vs Miami Heat at 7:30 PM
The November 22 games will be on ESPN & NBC Sports Philadelphia
The rest of the games are on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
