While Philadelphia is preparing to celebrate its Super Bowl-winning football team with a grand parade, the city’s basketball squad has been struggling to give its fans something to cheer about.
Having lost three consecutive games and 12 of their last 17, the 76ers aim to turn their fortunes around on Tuesday when they host the Toronto Raptors.
Tyrese Maxey delivered an impressive 39-point performance, and Joel Embiid added 27 points and 12 rebounds in Philadelphia’s 135-127 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
Although the Eagles lifted spirits with a decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX later that day, 76ers fans have reasons for concern given their team’s current struggles.
Embiid recently acknowledged that another offseason surgery on his left knee might be necessary if he doesn’t find relief before the end of the campaign.
The 76ers faced significant challenges on Sunday, allowing the Bucks to hit 43.6 percent of their three-point attempts and grab 19 offensive rebounds.
Embiid has missed 36 of the team’s 52 games this season, including the 76ers’ 115-107 loss in Toronto on October 25. Maxey scored 24 points in that game despite shooting 6-for-23 from the floor, including 2-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 27 points in that contest and finished with 15 points on Sunday as the Raptors extended their losing streak to four games with a 94-87 defeat against the Houston Rockets. Barnes missed all eight of his three-point attempts in that game.
Immanuel Quickley contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 30 minutes on Sunday, not too shabby considering he recently returned from groin and hip issues.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol and has yet to be cleared to play.
