The Wizards vs 76ers matchup tonight in Philadelphia brings together a desperate Washington team seeking an upset against a Philadelphia squad reeling from a double-overtime heartbreaker. The 76ers host the Wizards at 7 p.m. ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena with Tyrese Maxey looking to lead the way after a career-high 44-point performance Sunday.
🔥 Quick Facts
The 76ers enter at 10-9 after suffering a 142-134 double-overtime loss to Atlanta on Sunday
The Wizards carry a 3-16 record but have won their last 2 games, including a 129-126 comeback over Milwaukee Monday
Tyrese Maxey is averaging 31.5 points over his last 10 games and shot an incredible 14-for-17 from the free-throw line Sunday
Philadelphia is a 13.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 235 points
Can the Wizards Capitalize on Philadelphia’s Fatigue?
The Washington Wizards come into tonight’s contest riding genuine momentum after their stunning 129-126 upset over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. The Wizards trailed by 16 points in the third quarter before storming back. CJ McCollum led the charge with 28 points, while Marvin Bagley III contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds.
Washington has now won 2 of their last 4 games, a genuine improvement from their season-long struggles. But this matchup against a Philadelphia team fresh off a grueling double-overtime battle presents a chance to add another quality victory. The 76ers will likely feel the effects of playing 52 minutes in that Atlanta game.
Maxey’s Heroic Effort Can’t Stop Hawks in Overtime
Perhaps no player in Sunday’s game was more dominant than Tyrese Maxey, who put on a spectacular performance with 44 points in the 142-134 defeat to the Hawks. The 76ers guard was nearly automatic from the free-throw line, converting 14 of 17 attempts (a career high in attempts). Despite his heroics, the Philadelphia offense couldn’t quite seal the deal against Atlanta.
Tonight’s matchup presents an opportunity for the 76ers to bounce back immediately. Maxey has been nothing short of elite recently, averaging 31.5 points in his last 10 games while shooting efficiently. The Washington defense, ranked among the league’s worst this season, may struggle containing him early and often.
Injury Report: Key Absences for Both Teams
Team
Key Out/Questionable
76ers
Joel Embiid (Out), Kelly Oubre Jr. (Out), Paul George (Questionable)
Wizards
Tre Johnson (Out), Corey Kispert (Out), Alex Sarr (Out)
The 76ers will continue without Joel Embiid as the center recovers from right knee injury. Paul George is listed as questionable with left knee and lower back concerns. The Wizards meanwhile are missing Tre Johnson, Corey Kispert, and Alex Sarr. Despite the absences on both sides, Philadelphia’s talent gap remains significant even without its stars.
First Meeting Set the Tone: 76ers Won 139-134 in Overtime
The teams met in Washington on October 28, with the 76ers emerging victorious 139-134 in overtime. That game showcased Tyrese Maxey’s dominance, as he posted 39 points and 10 assists against the Wizards defense. Philadelphia trailed by as many as 19 points midway through the third quarter before staging their comeback.
Adem Bona proved instrumental in that first matchup, recording 4 blocks in the fourth quarter alone before adding the go-ahead putback dunk in overtime. Tonight’s rematch at Xfinity Mobile Arena favors the 76ers, who own stronger supporting cast depth despite injuries. The question isn’t if Philadelphia should win, but by how much against a Washington team that’s genuinely trying.
Will the Washington Wizards Finally Get Their Upset Tonight?
At 3-16, the Wizards are among the league’s worst teams, projected to potentially finish with the fewest wins in the 2025-26 season. Yet CJ McCollum and company have shown signs of fight in recent games. McCollum has been stellar, including a season-high 46-point performance (17-for-25 shots, 10-for-13 from three) against Atlanta just a week ago.
The 76ers remain favorites by 13.5 points for good reason, but Washington has proven competitive on their best nights. If Philadelphia’s exhaustion shows and McCollum finds his rhythm again, the Wizards could capitalize on a wounded opponent looking to recover from the devastating loss in Atlanta.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.