Portland Trail Blazers (31-35, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (43-22, third in the Eastern Conference)
Philadelphia; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Two of the league's best scorers, Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard, meet when Philadelphia and Portland hit the court. Embiid ranks first in the NBA averaging 33.3 points per game and Lillard ranks third in the league averaging 32.3 points per game.
The 76ers have gone 24-10 in home games. Philadelphia ranks third in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing only 110.9 points while holding opponents to 47.3% shooting.
The Trail Blazers are 14-20 in road games. Portland averages 13.8 turnovers per game and is 12-9 when turning the ball over less than opponents.
The teams play for the second time this season. The 76ers won the last meeting 105-95 on Jan. 20. Embiid scored 32 points to help lead the 76ers to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Embiid is averaging 33.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 blocks for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 22.2 points over the last 10 games for Philadelphia.
Lillard is scoring 32.3 points per game and averaging 4.6 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Cameron Reddish is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Portland.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 7-3, averaging 119.9 points, 40.0 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.8 points per game.
Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 112.6 points, 38.8 rebounds, 23.2 assists, 8.0 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: James Harden: day to day (foot).
Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons: out (ankle), Justise Winslow: out (ankle), Ibou Badji: out (knee), Ryan Arcidiacono: out (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
