The 76ers (12-10) have an opportunity to bounce back Friday, meeting the Memphis Grizzlies (12-9) for the first time this season.
As the Sixers look to turn the page from a 113-85 loss Wednesday in Cleveland, the Grizzlies will also be looking to get back in the win column, after falling, 109-101, Wednesday in Minneapolis.
The Sixers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, while the Grizzlies are 5-5.
With Cleveland in the rearview, the Sixers are eager to embrace their next challenge.
“Every game you’ve got to bring it… But especially when you get to play a team like Memphis,” Shake Milton said. “They’re going to come out with a lot of energy, and it’s going to be fun. You’ve got to be ready to match it.”
“You’ve got to be ready to step up to the plate, and I think we will be,” Milton said. “We’ll bounce back.”
Joel Embiid did not appear in either of the Sixers’ matchups with the Grizzlies during the 2021-22 season - a loss in Memphis on Dec. 13, and a dramatic overtime victory in Philadelphia on Jan. 31.
Tyrese Maxey, who remains out Friday (left foot fracture), led the way for the Sixers in both of last season’s matchups.
In Memphis’ loss at Minnesota, Ja Morant led the way for the Grizzlies, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Jaren Jackson Jr. notched a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Looking forward to Friday’s matchup, Embiid offered props to another one of the league’s best:
“[Morant is] hard to guard, especially when he’s coming downhill. He’s so quick, he’s got so much bounce, he can dunk on you, he’s got a great floater, he’s shooting the ball well from three. It’s going to be a tough matchup, but we’ve got guys that like to take on those type of matchups.”
Friday’s meeting also marks De’Anthony Melton’s first matchup against his former Grizzlies teammates. Melton played in Memphis from 2019-2022.
“I’m excited for De’Anthony to be back (in Memphis),” Embiid said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Friday’s matchup tips at 8:00 p.m. ET.
When You Last Saw Them
Joel Embiid
Shake Milton
76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nov. 30, 2022
1 / 4CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers posts up against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavalier at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 30, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.
@Sixers Social: