Game preview: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers

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

The last time Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama faced off in an NBA game, Embiid scored 70 points as the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 133-123. Wembanyama responded with 33 points. Wembanyama also played well against the former Olympics MVP over the summer. This duel has quickly developed into a major clash of elite, versatile centers.

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

San Antonio has won two straight games against skilled teams to place itself in the top 10 of the Western Conference. They’ll have their hands full in Philadelphia before traveling to New York to take on the Knicks on Christmas Day.

December 23, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. CT

Watch: NBATV | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

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

76ers injuries: Ricky Council IV – Questionable (Knee), Joel Embiid – Available (Sinus Fracture), Eric Gordon – Out (Oral Surgery), Jared McCain – Out (Knee)

What you should pay attention to

Pace of the game

San Antonio has improved its half-court offense since getting key players back from injury, but they are still at their best when forcing turnovers and breaking down in transition. The 76ers have the slowest pace in the NBA. They have several half-court weapons in Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, as well as a good X and O coach in Nick Nurse. When it comes to turnovers, the 76ers are 14th in the league with 14.7 turnovers per game. San Antonio can gain an advantage if they can get out and compete against the slower 76ers. A halfcourt game would help Embiid and the 76ers.

Guard game

Embiid and Wembanyama will get all the attention, but both teams’ guards will be just as important. Maxey is one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. He averages 25.1 points, 5 assists and 2 steals per game. On defense he is a nuisance who causes problems for opposing ball handlers, and on offense he is a microwave who can reward teams with his combination of speed and shooting ability. San Antonio has had inconsistent play from its 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 its backfield could win.

Three-point shooting

None of these teams are scoring points 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, it can also get ice cold, especially when they need it most. The 76ers have a top-ten defense guarding the three-point line, but have difficulty making shots from deep themselves. Controlling the three-point line will be crucial.