Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers

It’s not quite the night before Spursmas, but we’re close! On Christmas Eve, we get a basketball gift in the form of two of the NBA’s best big men teaming up.

The last time Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama met in an NBA game, Embiid scored 70 points as Philadelphia 76ers narrowly beat the San Antonio Spurs 133-123. Wembanyama responded with 33 points. Wembanyama also played well against the former Olympic MVP over the summer. This matchup has quickly become a marquee clash between elite, versatile centers.

This will be Embiid’s 8th game of the season as he has battled multiple injuries. It’s been a poor year by his standards as he’s averaging 22.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 7 games. Those games have hurt the 76ers, who are struggling to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference. With a clean bill of health, the 6s have the talent to compete with anyone. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

San Antonio has won two straight games against capable teams to rank among the top 10 teams in the Western Conference. They will have their hands full in Philadelphia before heading to New York to meet Knicks christmas day

December 23, 2024 | 6 p.m. CT

Watch: NBATV | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)

76ers Injuries: Ricky Council IV – Doubtful (knee), Joel Embiid – Available (sinus fracture), Eric Gordon – Out (oral surgery), Jared McCain – Out (knee)

What to watch out for

The pace of the game

San Antonio has improved their offense in the half court since returning key players from injury, but they are still at their best when they force turnovers and get out in transition. The 76ers have the slowest pace in the NBA. They have several half court weapons in Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George along with a good X’s and O’s coach in Nick Nurse. The 76ers are 14th in the league in turnovers and turn the ball over 14.7 times per game. match. San Antonio can create an advantage if they can come out and run against the slower 76ers. A game played in the half court would help Embiid and the 76ers.

Guard play

Embiid and Wembanyama will get all the attention, but the guards for both teams will be equally important. Maxey is one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. He is averaging 25.1 points, 5 assists and 2 steals per game. match. He’s a pest on the defensive end, causing problems for opposing ball handlers and is a microwave on offense that can make teams pay with his combination of speed and shooting. San Antonio has had up-and-down play from their guards, but Chris Paul, Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle have really stepped up in the last two wins. Whichever team gets the most out of their backcourt can win.

Three-point shooting

None of these teams are burning the nets this year. The Spurs and 76ers are in the bottom ten in three-point shooting this season. San Antonio can get hot from deep, but as most fans know, they can go ice cold, especially when they need it most. The 76ers are a top-ten defense that guards the three-point line, but struggles to make shots from deep themselves. Controlling the three-point line will be key.