The Sixers have had their fair share of tough opponents this month. They’ve picked up some solid wins, including victories over the Warriors and Knicks, yet they’re now sitting on a three-game losing streak after their latest loss to the juggernaut that is the Oklahoma City Thunder following a valiant effort in the first half.
Yet this slump hasn’t just come at the hands of top teams like OKC. Two losses beforehand to the lowly Nets and middling Bulls leaves Philly well in need of a bounce back performance.
Next up, their road trip continues against a team further down the rankings again in the form of the 15-17, 9th place Grizzlies.
Apart from Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford remaining out, the only addition to the Sixers’ injury report is Joel Embiid as questionable. Despite technically being listed with both a right ankle sprain and right knee injury management, though, Nick Nurse did say it’s the ankle that kept Embiid out against the Thunder.
The Grizzlies’ injury report is a busy one, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right hamstring soreness), Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), John Konchar (left thumb surgery recovery), Scotty Pippen Jr. (left toe surgery recovery) and Vince Williams Jr. (left patellar tendinitis) all being listed as out. Jock Landale (right calf strain) is questionable.
Sophomore center Zach Edey has been a bright spot for Memphis. He’s a strong presence inside at both ends of the floor, upping his averages this year to 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds (3.9 offensive) and 1.9 blocks with a 66.9 true shooting percentage as a reliable finisher. But he’s also out right now with a left ankle stress reaction, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry more load anchoring the defense alongside Santi Aldama who’s stepped into the starting center spot.
Aldama’s already proven his fluidity with his passing chops, ability to put the ball on the floor, and quick-trigger shooting as a 7-footer, but he’s really given the offense a boost lately in his extra minutes. Even though his scoring overall has been a bit up and down, he’s scored 37 points twice in the last five games.
One of the various reasons for the Grizzlies’ shaky season so far is Ja Morant only playing in 15 games, while his production and efficiency (by far the lowest true shooting percentage of his career so far at 48.1) have dropped significantly. With Desmond Bane being dealt to Orlando as well, the team has looked rather different and their offensive rating has plummeted from sixth last season to a measly 24th.
Even still, Morant will be the main test for the Sixers’ backcourt on Tuesday. Tyrese Maxey has continued to defend better than ever this season, so he’ll need to put his energy and physicality on the ball and around screens to good use there.
Jaren Jackson Jr. isn’t quite in the All-Star form he displayed last season, but he’s still putting together a solid year. He’s also had his first two 30+ point games of the season in his last seven outings, averaging 24.0 points with 47.1 percent three-point shooting in this stretch. Keeping Jackson’s shooting in check when he trails into space in transition, relocates around the arc, and comes off screens will be key for Philly’s bigs and any forwards switching onto him.
Rookie Cedric Coward is a great talent to keep an eye on as well. The No. 11 pick from this year’s draft is averaging 13.5 points on 57.9 percent true shooting as a three-level scorer, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 26.9 minutes per game. He’s also showing more growth and ability as a physical, controlled driver and sharp playmaker too, benefiting from increased on-ball reps while Memphis has been shorthanded.
It’ll be fun to see how he fares on Tuesday and matches up against the Sixers’ guards — both as a scorer, and how he uses his rangy defensive skills to guard them. VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes will need to be ready to stay physical against Coward’s drives and versatile scoring.
The Sixers’ backcourt could use a turnaround in shooting form, too. Grimes and Jared McCain have both been in a bit of a shooting slump lately (apart from an efficient yet still quiet 10 point, 4-of-6 night for McCain vs. OKC), and even Edgecombe has struggled with just 7-of-29 shooting over his last two games.
Losing to the Thunder was always likely, but losses to Brooklyn and Chicago are obviously the kind the Sixers need to avoid if they want to secure a stronger standing in the East.
While there are some good matchups in Tuesday’s game, facing an underwhelming Grizzlies team should be a decent chance to break this losing streak and get back on track.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, December 30, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers