The Hospital Sixers are travelling to Denver to face the Nuggets. They come off the back of two wins, but will face a stiff test on Tuesday.
Nuggets’ Strength Despite Injuries
Denver has had a strong season, even while battling injuries. They are fifth in the Western Conference and above .500. Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson have all missed time at various points.
Jokic is averaging 28.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond may have a miserable time trying to contain him. Jamal Murray is having the best season of his career, earning his first All-Star nod this year. He is averaging 25.4 points, 7.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds.
76ers’ Injury Report and Backcourt Changes
The injury report on the Philadelphia side remains bleak. With Tyrese Maxey sidelined by a finger injury, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes have taken over the backcourt. Grimes has averaged 22.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals over his last seven games.
Edgecombe’s role has expanded. He is coming off a career high in rebounds with 12. He will need to fill a jack-of-all-trades role if the Sixers have any hope of stealing a win on the road.
Edwards’ Encouraging Performance
Justin Edwards has been one of the more encouraging stories of late. He scored in double digits in four of his last five games. In the win over Portland, he dropped 21 points.
The Philadelphia 76ers are kicking off a three-game road trip that’ll take them through Denver, Sacramento and Salt Lake City.