{"id":505659,"date":"2025-12-30T15:57:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T15:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/505659\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T15:57:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T15:57:20","slug":"can-sixers-break-out-of-their-slump-vs-grizzlies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/505659\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Sixers break out of their slump vs. Grizzlies?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Sixers have had their fair share of tough opponents this month. They\u2019ve picked up some solid wins, including victories over the Warriors and Knicks, yet they\u2019re now sitting on a three-game losing streak after their latest loss<\/a> to the juggernaut that is the Oklahoma City Thunder following a valiant effort in the first half.<\/p>\n

Yet this slump hasn\u2019t just come at the hands of top teams like OKC. Two losses beforehand to the lowly Nets and middling Bulls leaves Philly well in need of a bounce back performance.<\/p>\n

Next up, their road trip continues against a team further down the rankings again in the form of the 15-17, ninth place Grizzlies.<\/p>\n

Apart from Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford remaining out, the only addition to the Sixers\u2019 injury report is Joel Embiid as questionable. Despite technically being listed with both a right ankle sprain and right knee injury management, though, Nick Nurse did say it\u2019s the ankle<\/a> that kept Embiid out against the Thunder.<\/p>\n

The Grizzlies\u2019 injury report is a busy one, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right hamstring soreness), Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), John Konchar (left thumb surgery recovery), Scotty Pippen Jr. (left toe surgery recovery) and Vince Williams Jr. (left patellar tendinitis) all being listed as out. Jock Landale (right calf strain) is questionable.<\/p>\n

Sophomore center Zach Edey has been a bright spot for Memphis. He\u2019s a strong presence inside at both ends of the floor, upping his averages this year to 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds (3.9 offensive) and 1.9 blocks with a 66.9 true shooting percentage as a reliable finisher. But he\u2019s also out right now with a left ankle stress reaction, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry more load anchoring the defense alongside Santi Aldama who\u2019s stepped into the starting center spot.<\/p>\n

Aldama\u2019s already proven his fluidity with his passing chops, ability to put the ball on the floor, and quick-trigger shooting as a 7-footer, but he\u2019s really given the offense a boost lately in his extra minutes. Even though his scoring overall has been a bit up and down, he\u2019s scored 37 points twice in the last five games.<\/p>\n

One of the various reasons for the Grizzlies\u2019 shaky season so far is Ja Morant only playing in 15 games, while his production and efficiency (by far the lowest true shooting percentage of his career so far at 48.1) have dropped significantly. With Desmond Bane being dealt to Orlando as well, the team has looked rather different and their offensive rating has plummeted from sixth last season to a measly 24th.<\/p>\n

Even still, Morant will be the main test for the Sixers\u2019 backcourt on Tuesday. Tyrese Maxey has continued to defend better than ever this season, so he\u2019ll need to put his energy and physicality on the ball and around screens to good use there.<\/p>\n

Jackson isn\u2019t quite in the All-Star form he displayed last season, but he\u2019s still putting together a solid year. He\u2019s also had his first two 30+ point games of the season in his last seven outings, averaging 24.0 points with 47.1 percent three-point shooting in this stretch. Keeping Jackson\u2019s shooting in check when he trails into space in transition, relocates around the arc, and comes off screens will be key for Philly\u2019s bigs and any forwards switching onto him.<\/p>\n

Rookie Cedric Coward is a great talent to keep an eye on as well. The No. 11 pick from this year\u2019s draft is averaging 13.5 points on 57.9 percent true shooting as a three-level scorer, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 26.9 minutes per game. He\u2019s also showing more growth and ability as a physical, controlled driver and sharp playmaker too, benefiting from increased on-ball reps while Memphis has been shorthanded.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll be fun to see how he fares on Tuesday and matches up against the Sixers\u2019 guards \u2014 both as a scorer, and how he uses his rangy defensive skills to guard them. VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes will need to be ready to stay physical against Coward\u2019s drives and versatile scoring.<\/p>\n

The Sixers\u2019 backcourt could use a turnaround in shooting form, too. Grimes and Jared McCain have both been in a bit of a shooting slump lately (apart from an efficient yet still quiet 10 point, 4-of-6 night for McCain vs. OKC), and even Edgecombe has struggled with just 7-of-29 shooting over his last two games.<\/p>\n

Losing to the Thunder was always likely, but losses to Brooklyn and Chicago are obviously the kind the Sixers need to avoid if they want to secure a stronger standing in the East.<\/p>\n

While there are some good matchups in Tuesday\u2019s game, facing an underwhelming Grizzlies team should be a decent chance to break this losing streak and get back on track.<\/p>\n

When: Tuesday, December 30, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers<\/a><\/p>\n