The 76ers (6-7) will be looking to capitalize on momentum garnered in Saturday’s 121-109 win over the Atlanta Hawks (8-5) - and they’ll get a chance to do so quickly.
Hosting the Utah Jazz (10-4) Sunday, the Sixers will look to cap their second perfect back-to-back of the young season.
Despite being short-handed once again, the Sixers found their stride across the roster Saturday, with Joel Embiid leading the charge with a season-high 42 points.
“[Tonight’s priority was] trying to set the tone,” Embiid said postgame. “Send a message to my teammates and to the opposition. Let everybody know - including my teammates and coaches - how the game is going to go tonight.”
Continuing to balance scoring and facilitating, Tyrese Maxey also found his stride, sharing a season-high nine assists.
“[The team] needs me to be aggressive for myself and for others,” Maxey said. “I think that’s what I did tonight. It’s not always going to be scoring, especially with James not here… It’s a process and it was good today.”
Absent De’Anthony Melton (left-sided back stiffness), who has started in place of James Harden (right foot tendon strain), Matisse Thybulle got his second starting nod of the season.
After starting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field (7 pts), Furkan Korkmaz was also sidelined Saturday (knee injury).
Opponent Outlook:
The Jazz (10-4) will also be facing the second night of a back-to-back, after visiting the Wizards Saturday, and falling, 121-112. Prior to Saturday’s loss, the Jazz had won four in a row.
Jordan Clarkson was the Jazz’ leading scorer Saturday, finishing with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting. Lauri Markkanen tallied 17 points, five rebounds, an assist, and two blocks.
Markkanen is the Jazz’ scoring leader and rebounder this season, averaging 22.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Veteran Mike Conley is averaging a team-best 8.0 assists per game.
Sunday’s meeting with Utah tips at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Saturday’s Key Performances:
Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey
Tobias Harris
Shake Milton
76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Nov. 12, 2022
1 / 5PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 12, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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