The Philadelphia 76ers (15-12) take on a Memphis Grizzlies (16-11) team that is more than a bit shorthanded tonight at FedEx Forum at 8:00 PM.
The 76ers will be taking on a young Grizzlies squad after coming off a huge victory at home versus the Golden State Warriors. The Sixers are 4-2 in their last six games and trying to get back to the form they had during their 8-2 start. The Sixers were swept by the Grizzlies last season, including a 2-point loss in Memphis, in a game that Joel Embiid didn’t play. The 76ers should have their full active roster (minus Ben Simmons) available for this game this evening.
The Grizzlies come in winners of 7 out of their last 8 games and doing this without their star guard Ja Morant, who is out due to a left knee sprain. Included in those 7 wins was a 73-point victory against the tanking Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizz are dealing with more injuries than just Ja Morant, with Sam Merrill, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams all out for this contest. Steven Adams is doubtful, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is questionable.
Take a look at some things to watch for tonight:
Defensive Effort
The Sixers are ranked 18th in Defensive Rating so far this season but showed flashes of how good of a defense they can be against the Warriors. Can the Sixers keep up the same energy and effort on defense against a solid Grizzlies squad who is top 10 in the league in scoring? If the Sixers can come out and put the clamps on the Grizz early, they could pull away.
Can The Sixers Get a Rebound?
One of the main reasons why the Sixers’ defense has dropped from last season is their lack of rebounding and, more specifically, defensive rebounding. The Sixers allow so many extra possessions due to opponents’ offensive rebounding. Rebounding is an energy and effort category, and let’s hope the coaches have emphasized that going forward.
Can Furkan Korkmaz Get Going?
Furkan Korkmaz’s shooting has been terrible for the last month after starting out hot for the first two weeks. The Sixers badly need Korkmaz to work out of this slump because he provides the shooting and secondary playmaking they need in the second unit. If Korkmaz can’t shake this slump soon, you would have to expect Doc Rivers to begin to lean on Isaiah Joe more in the second unit.
You can catch tonight’s action on NBC Sports Philadelphia at 8:00PM.
