After suffering their first loss at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday to the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers (20-9) look to start a new home streak as they host the Dallas Mavericks (18-9) Friday night.
Coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN. Radio coverage will be on 97.5 The Fanatic.
The Philadelphia 76ers are 8 point favorites with an over/under set at 212.
Know Your Enemy:
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic
That’s all you need to know.
The second-year superstar is leading his team in points per game (29.3), rebounds per game (9.6), and assists per game (8.9). These near triple-double averages lead him into third in the NBA in both points and assists per game.
However, the Sixers are lucking out, as the star point guard is ruled out for the Friday night prime time game. So attention is then directed to “the unicorn” Kristaps Porzingis.
The big man is averaging 17.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Mavs. His 2.1 blocks a game is sixth in the NBA, and, for his size, his three-pointing shooting ability can not be slept on.
Old Philadelphia friend and best friend of Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic makes his return to Philadelphia. The goofball is assumed to receive a standing ovation, as his fun personality left a lasting impression on Philadelphia fans.
Tale of the Tape:
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
- 20-9 overall, 14-1 at home
- 109.3 points for per game (16th), 104.1 points against (4th best)
- 7-3 in last 10 games
- Last game: 108-104 Loss to Miami Heat (second loss in a row)
DALLAS MAVERICKS
- 19-7 overall, 10-2 on the road
- 117.6 points per game (4th), 109.2 points against (16th)
- 7-3 in last 10 games
- Last game: 109-103 loss against Boston Celtics
Prediction:
If Luka was playing, this entire article would have a different tone to it. Doncic is game-changing in himself, and him being ruled out with his ankle injury is huge for Philadelphia.
This is a game the Sixers need to win. With their star player being out, Philadelphia has to find a way to win. Dallas has been a predominately good team on the road, currently 10-2 so far this season. However, again, that was with Luka. They lost their first road game without him to the Celtics on Wednesday.
The Sixers will have a full and healthy roster. Let’s hope they make the best of it against a weaker defensive team.
Ben Simmons gets a triple-double, and the Sixers win 116-109.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
