Sixers Seek Momentum in Play-In Push Against Jazz The Philadelphia 76ers aim to build on their recent progress as they face the Utah Jazz in a crucial matchup on Saturday. With just one half-game separating them from securing a playoff berth outright, the team is positioned to capitalize on a challenging schedule. A week ago, analysts speculated that the depleted roster would struggle to finish above seventh in the Eastern Conference, but the Sixers have defied expectations. Recent victories over the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings—alongside a strong performance against the Portland Trail Blazers—have propelled them to within 1.5 games of fifth-place Toronto and a half-game behind sixth-place Orlando. The Jazz, meanwhile, are facing significant depth issues. Key players such as Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, and Lauri Markkanen are sidelined due to injuries, while others like Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and Brice Sensabaugh are questionable. John Konchar’s quad injury further limits Utah’s options, leaving the team with a roster that resembles its 2023 starting five. This scenario presents an ideal opportunity for the Sixers to secure a win and strengthen their position in the standings. The Sixers’ injury report remains largely unchanged, with Joel Embiid listed as out after being marked as doubtful. Paul George, who is eligible to return from his suspension, could provide a significant boost to the roster as the team prepares for the upcoming week. Meanwhile, the Jazz’s lack of available talent means the Sixers will face a depleted lineup, offering a chance to test their resilience against younger, less experienced players. Developing players like VJ Edgecombe, who recorded 38 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists in a recent win, will benefit from increased playing time.#philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #utah_jazz #paul_george #quentin_grimes
NBA fines Sixers big man Andre Drummond $25K for making gesture in win The NBA has imposed a fine on Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond following an incident during the team’s 139-118 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. The league cited the player for making an "objectionable gesture" with eight seconds remaining in the third quarter. Drummond, who had just hit a three-point shot, was assessed a $25,000 penalty for the action. The gesture, which the league deemed inappropriate, occurred during a critical moment in the game, though it did not impact the outcome of the contest. Drummond’s performance in the game was otherwise impressive, as he contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and all three of his three-point attempts. His ability to consistently convert long-range shots has become a key asset for the 76ers, particularly as the team seeks to maintain momentum in the latter stages of the season. The 14-year veteran’s improved shooting accuracy has positioned him as a reliable offensive threat, further solidifying his role in the lineup. With star forward Joel Embiid sidelined due to injury, the 76ers have leaned heavily on Drummond to step up and fill the void left by the 2023 MVP winner. Drummond has been a steady presence in the paint, combining his rebounding and defensive skills with an emerging scoring ability. His partnership with fellow big man Adem Bona has also been crucial, as the duo has provided the team with a balanced inside presence. The 76ers are now focusing on maximizing their remaining 12 games of the season, with Drummond’s contributions playing a vital role in their efforts to secure a strong finish.#nba #sacramento_kings #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #andre_drummond
Another Dort Flagrant on Jokić 🙄 Basketball fans were left questioning an exchange between former teammates Joel Embiid and James Harden during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Harden engaged with members of the Sixers roster, including Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey, sparking speculation about their relationship. Harden’s relationship with the 76ers had deteriorated significantly before the 2023-24 season. At the time, it appeared that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was the primary target of Harden’s frustration. During a promotional event in China, Harden called Morey a “liar” and expressed no desire to play for an organization led by the executive. Despite the tension, Harden and Embiid may not have parted on good terms. In July 2025, Embiid told ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye that he and Harden were no longer on speaking terms. “No one knows this, but even James is not talking to me,” Embiid said. “That’s the part I don’t like about being ‘that guy,’ because it puts you in the middle of those situations. If you ask James, he probably believes I had something to do with him not being here. And I’m just like, ‘I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable.’” While the past remains unresolved, time has softened the edges of their conflict. The two players’ dynamic, once a cornerstone of the 76ers’ success, is now a relic of a bygone era. Any lingering animosity does not have to define their legacies, though the history of their partnership continues to shape narratives around their careers. The incident highlights the complexities of high-stakes sports relationships, where personal chemistry and professional ambition often collide.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #james_harden #daryl_morey
NBA Fans Speculate Over Joel Embiid, James Harden Interaction The Philadelphia 76ers faced their former star guard, James Harden, during a matchup in Cleveland, Ohio. While Joel Embiid, the team’s center, wasn’t on the court for the game, he was present on the trip and approached Harden after the contest for a brief greeting. Though interactions between former teammates are common, this moment carried weight due to the unresolved tension between the two players. Harden’s departure from the 76ers in 2023 was marked by public frustration, primarily directed at the team’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey. Harden had joined the Sixers in 2021 after a contentious trade from the Brooklyn Nets, where he had previously criticized Morey during his time with the Houston Rockets. The relationship soured quickly, with Harden accusing Morey of breaking a verbal promise regarding his contract. The Sixers denied these claims, and the NBA found no wrongdoing in the situation. Despite this, Harden exercised his player option to leave Philadelphia, joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. The recent encounter between Embiid and Harden appeared to be their first public interaction since Harden’s departure. Social media speculation suggests Embiid may have acknowledged Harden’s lingering frustrations, with one post quoting a supposed exchange: “I know you mad at me but Ima say what’s up… I know, I know, just don’t be mad at me for it.” This comment, if authentic, highlights the unresolved dynamic between the two players, though Harden reportedly avoided engaging with Embiid after returning to Philadelphia as a Clipper. Harden and Embiid’s partnership with the 76ers was brief but impactful.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #james_harden #daryl_morey
Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report The Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers face off on March 9, 2026, with both teams navigating injury challenges that shape their lineups and strategies. The 76ers are missing several key players, including Tyrese Maxey, who remains sidelined with a sprained finger, and rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, recovering from a back injury. Johni Broome is also out after knee surgery for a lateral meniscus tear. Joel Embiid’s availability is critical, as he is listed as questionable with a rib injury, and his status will dictate how the 76ers approach the game. Kelly Oubre Jr. is cleared to play after overcoming a knee issue, while the rest of the roster is expected to be available, including Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Quentin Grimes. The Cavaliers, while healthier than the 76ers, still face absences in the frontcourt and wing positions. Evan Mobley is out with a calf injury, and Max Strus is recovering from foot surgery following a Jones fracture. Sam Merrill is sidelined with a sprained hand, and Jarrett Allen is likely out due to a knee issue. Without Mobley and Allen, Cleveland will rely more on Thomas Bryant and smaller lineups. The available rotation includes Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Darius Brown, with frontcourt options like Larry Nance Jr. and Dean Wade stepping in. Philadelphia’s offense will depend heavily on Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. in the absence of Maxey. If Embiid plays, he will remain the focal point of the attack and defense, but his absence could shift the focus to George, who may take on more ball-handling duties. The 76ers’ bench includes Cameron Payne, Kyle Lowry, and Trendon Watford, giving Coach Nick Nurse flexibility to adjust lineups.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #johni_broome #joel_embiid
Philadelphia 76ers bench scorer Jabari Walker vowed to maintain his strong performance after scoring 20 points in a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the team’s struggles without key players Joel Embiid, Paul George, and part of VJ Edgecombe, Walker stepped up to provide much-needed scoring. Playing just 19 minutes, Walker contributed two three-pointers and seven field goals, along with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. His efforts made him the sole 76ers player with a positive plus/minus in the game. After the contest, Walker expressed his eagerness to continue playing, stating he would prefer to stay on the court rather than rest. “100% if it was up to me, I’d rather not sleep and just get back out there right now,” he said. He described his approach as treating each day as a continuation of the previous one, emphasizing that the team’s mindset remains focused despite the challenges. Walker, who earned a standard NBA contract after starting the season on a two-way deal, delivered a season-high performance. His previous best game was against the Milwaukee Bucks in December. While his 20-point outing was a standout moment, questions remain about whether he can sustain this level of play and become the 76ers’ reliable sixth man. With Quentin Grimes struggling offensively, Walker’s ability to contribute regularly could be a significant boost for a team in need of bench scoring. Walker’s determination to keep the momentum going reflects his commitment to the team’s success, even in the face of adversity. His performance highlights the importance of role players in maintaining competitive edge during tough stretches of the season.#san_antonio_spurs #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #jabari_walker #quintin_grimes
