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LA Clippers try and get back on track against Philadelphia

By Ryan Snellings

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers plays defense against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 1, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers plays defense against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 1, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers will look to bounce back against the Philadelphia 76ers who may be without their All-Star Joel Embiid who is dealing with knee soreness.

Following a loss at home to the San Antonio Spurs, the LA Clippers start 2019 at home versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

Luckily for the Clippers, Philadelphia may be without their All-Star center. Joel Embiid has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game with a sore knee. While he did participate in shootaround, coach Brett Brown wasn’t sure of his availability.

Earlier in the season when the two teams faced each other, Embiid scored 41 points in route to the Sixers winning. Him being out would be a blessing for the Clippers who have had trouble defending big men as was made clear the other night against LaMarcus Aldridge and the Spurs.

Even if Embiid is out, the Sixers still have stars in both Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler. Butler was not yet a part of the team the last time the Clippers faced them, so he will add a new wrinkle for the Clippers to plan for.

LA will likely start Boban Marjanovic, who Doc Rivers seemingly wants to continue to feed starter-level minutes. While he can be very effective on offense, Marjanovic’s lack of mobility can severely hurt the team on defense.

If Embiid does play, he could easily expose both Marjanovic with his quickness and Montrezl Harrell with his size. Still, if the Clippers can limit the other Sixers players, they will have a chance.

Tonight would be the ideal night for a bounce back game from Tobias Harris. Harris has scored only 16, 9 and 17 points in the team’s last three games after going for 32 points versus Golden State. Averaging 21.0 points per game this season, he could be a much needed offensive spark for the team.

The point guard match-up will also be interesting to watch. Reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons is a unique guard and will be a tough cover for either Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Avery Bradley.

Gilgeous-Alexander might be looking to bounce back as well after failing to reach double-digit scoring in his past two games. Looking at his game logs, SGA has rarely gone more than two games in a row without reaching double digits. In fact, a four game streak in early November was the only time it happened.

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Picking up a win tonight would be a great way to start the season. With a heavy home schedule this month, LA would be wise to capitalize. The game tips off at 7:30pm PST on Fox Sports 1. As always, follow along with us on Twitter during the game and check back here tomorrow for your post game coverage!

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