The 76ers (43-22) will play their first of just five home games in the month of March Friday, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (31-35).
For Portland, Friday’s matchup marks the fifth stop on a six-game road trip. The team has gone 2-2 in its first four stops.
The Sixers won the first meeting between the two teams on Jan. 19 in Portland, 105-95.
Joel Embiid - the NBA’s leading scorer as of Thursday evening - led the way for the Sixers in that first win, scoring 32 points plus nine rebounds. James Harden - the NBA’s leader in assists as of Thursday - notched a 16-point, 10-rebound, 14-assist triple double against the Blazers.
The Sixers will be seeking their fourth consecutive win Friday, after going 4-1 on their five-game road trip punctuated Tuesday in Minneapolis with a 117-94 victory over the Timberwolves.
Embiid was the team’s leading scorer Tuesday with 39 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal, and three blocks. Tyrese Maxey added 27 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
Maxey has scored 20-plus points in six consecutive games, the longest such streak in his career.
With his left foot fracture well in the rearview, Maxey discussed the significance of off days and his growing appreciation for recovery work following Thursday’s practice.
“I feel great,” Maxey said. “Because I got hurt, I didn’t play for a while. I’ve only played like half a season. I feel really good. It was a blessing in disguise, you could say. My body feels great.”
As of Thursday evening, the Sixers continue to hold the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games ahead of the No. 4 Cavaliers (42-26). The Sixers and Cavaliers will face off Wednesday in Cleveland.
Friday marks new Trail Blazer Matisse Thybulle’s first game against the Sixers. During his first 10 games with Portland, Thybulle has averaged 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
“It’s going to be great to see him,” Maxey said of his former teammate. “I’m proud of him. I hope we go out there and beat them, honestly, and I hope we have some laughs and some hugs. It should be fun.”
Ryan Arcidiacono (lower back soreness), Ibou Badji (left knee surgery recovery), and Justise Winslow (left ankle sprain) are out for Portland Friday, while Anfernee Simons (right ankle sprain) is questionable.
Friday night’s contest is a 7 p.m. start in South Philadelphia.
Tuesday’s Top Performances:
Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey
Tobias Harris
De’Anthony Melton
Georges Niang
76ers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Mar. 07, 2023
1 / 6MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on March 7, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
@Sixers Social:
Quote to Note:
Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star and 2020 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards, on Joel Embiid...
"M.V.P. Most Valuable Player in the NBA, for sure."
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