Portland Trail Blazers vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

76ers Look for Season-Best Fourth Straight Win vs. Trail Blazers

The Philadelphia 76ers will aim to extend their winning streak to a season-best four games when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night in Portland. Both teams enter the game riding positive momentum, making this an intriguing Western Conference showdown.

Philadelphia’s Momentum Behind Embiid and Maxey

The 76ers (14-15) are hitting their stride, coming off a hard-fought 114-111 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey both delivered 32-point performances to help Philadelphia rally from a 14-point deficit.

Embiid’s ability to draw fouls has been instrumental to the Sixers’ recent success. Against the Jazz, the reigning MVP went 11-for-13 from the free-throw line, contributing to his stellar 70-for-75 mark this season. After a slow start to the campaign, Philadelphia has now won nine of its last 12 games.

The matchup with Portland will mark Embiid’s fourth consecutive game, a milestone as injuries have limited his appearances this season.

“He really played at a great tempo,” said Sixers coach Nick Nurse. “He was under control, had the shot fakes, drawing all the fouls, all that stuff. … I thought he played pretty assertive.”

Maxey has also been a key contributor, showcasing his scoring versatility and ability to take over in crunch time.

Trail Blazers on the Rise

Portland (8-20) comes into the game with renewed confidence following back-to-back wins, including a 126-122 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

The Blazers’ balanced scoring attack was on full display, with five players scoring at least 19 points: Shaedon Sharpe (23), Anfernee Simons (22), Deandre Ayton (21), Deni Avdija (21), and Scoot Henderson (19).

Despite the absence of head coach Chauncey Billups, who missed his second game due to the passing of his grandmother, the team appears to be finding its rhythm.

“Everything’s starting to click,” Ayton said. “The vets on the team are talking a lot more, and the young guys are really speaking up as well; (they’re) asking a lot more questions.”

Henderson Leading the Charge

Scoot Henderson has been pivotal to Portland’s recent resurgence. The dynamic playmaker followed up an 18-point, 10-assist double-double against Utah with a career-high five steals, six assists, and 19 points against Dallas.

“He’s contagious,” Ayton said of Henderson. “When he’s firing like that, he’s downhill, he starts flexing, being animated, (and) that energy spreads quickly.”

Sharpe echoed those sentiments:

“He’s just been more aggressive and been himself. Everyone’s touching the ball, everyone’s creating for each other, and the energy is high right now.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Joel Embiid vs. Deandre Ayton: Both big men are capable of dominating the paint. Embiid’s scoring and ability to draw fouls will test Ayton’s defense and discipline.
• Tyrese Maxey vs. Scoot Henderson: Two young guards with contrasting styles go head-to-head. Maxey’s poise and shooting will challenge Henderson’s high-energy playmaking.
• Bench Contributions: With both teams relying on balanced scoring, the second units could play a pivotal role.

See who’s favored to take it all in NBA Championship Odds & Predictions!

Game Outlook

The 76ers have found a groove offensively, with Embiid and Maxey leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Blazers’ recent surge has showcased their young talent and depth. Philadelphia’s experience gives them the edge, but Portland’s home-court energy and balanced attack could make for a closely contested game.