Game Preview
Two teams heading in opposite directions meet on Monday night as the Philadelphia 76ers host the San Antonio Spurs. The 76ers have struggled to find their footing this season, stumbling to a 9-17 record and riding a modest one-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Spurs have hit their stride, clawing their way to a 15-13 mark on the back of a two-game win streak.
Philadelphia's offensive woes have persisted, as they've averaged just 105.7 points per game while surrendering 110.6 points on the defensive end. Their shooting numbers have been pedestrian, hovering around 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. However, a closer look reveals some promising trends - over their last 10 games, the 76ers have improved to nearly 108 points per contest while tightening up defensively, allowing a shade over 107 points.
San Antonio, on the other hand, has found its rhythm offensively, averaging 111.8 points for the season while shooting 46 percent from the floor. Their three-point shooting has been merely average at just under 35 percent, but they've excelled at getting to the line and converting, hitting free throws at an 80 percent clip. Over their last five games, the Spurs have taken their offensive production to another level, pouring in 115.6 points per game on 47 percent shooting.
While both teams have been solid on the glass, San Antonio holds a distinct advantage in terms of ball movement and defense. The Spurs are dishing out 28.6 assists per game compared to Philadelphia's 21.6, and their 6.8 blocks per contest loom as a deterrent against the 76ers' interior scoring. With two teams trending in opposite directions, this matchup could serve as a barometer for their respective seasons moving forward.