Tyrese Maxey posted 39 points in the win over Minnesota on Feb. 22.
Philadelphia grabbed a 135-108 win over Minnesota on Feb. 22 in their only meeting this season. However, things have changed drastically for both teams since then.
Here are three key storylines to know heading into today’s matchup.
1. The Sixers are streaking: Philadelphia has been battling a plethora of injuries all season, but they’re finally fully healthy. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. all returned over the last week, which has sparked Philly’s best stretch of the season, winning seven of their last 10 outings. The offense has been firing, averaging 138.6 points over their last five wins. That’s no surprise when looking at all the talent back in the fold, with George regaining his footing in his return to action.
George is averaging 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals in four games since returning from a 25-game suspension. Getting him alongside All-Stars like Maxey and Embiid makes this one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. This run has catapulted Philadelphia up to sixth in the East, but the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are all right on the Sixers’ heels by three games or less.
2. The Timberwolves are trying to climb up the standings: Minnesota has been battling the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets for a top 3 seed in the Western Conference all season, but it will be an uphill battle to get there. The Timberwolves sit sixth in the West right now but are only four games behind the Lakers in third. Not much time remains, with only six games left, but they come into this matchup having won six of their last 10.
What’s also encouraging is that Anthony Edwards made his return from a knee issue earlier this week, a much-needed addition, especially with Jaden McDaniels recently suffering a knee injury of his own. McDaniels’ injury status is listed as week-to-week, and losing a defensive presence like that is significant for the Timberwolves.
3. Philly’s core four: The Sixers built a fascinating lineup, but we haven’t seen them play much together. Fans were ecstatic to see Embiid, Maxey, George and VJ Edgecombe all suit up together earlier this week, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better foursome in the NBA. George’s hot streak has been on full display, but Embiid is returning to an All-Star level as well.
Embiid is averaging 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks this season, and Maxey is right there with him, posting 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals. We didn’t even mention Edgecombe, who’s looked like one of the best rookies in the league. That’s a core no opponent wants to see healthy in the postseason, making them a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.
