The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, December 28, at Paycom Center, with tip-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Philadelphia holds a 16-13 record and is on a two-game losing streak, while Oklahoma City sits at 26-5, also coming off consecutive losses.
Philadelphia will be without Joel Embiid (right ankle sprain, knee management), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee), Trendon Watford (left adductor), and two G League two-way players, MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome. Paul George is listed as probable with left knee management.
Oklahoma City is missing Ousmane Dieng (right calf), Thomas Sorber (right ACL), Nikola Topic (surgical recovery), and Jaylin Williams (right heel bursitis), limiting rotation options in the frontcourt.
Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers, averaging 30.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists while shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.4% from three. VJ Edgecombe (15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds) and Quentin Grimes (14.9 points, 4.3 assists) provide secondary scoring, with Embiid’s absence placing extra responsibility on the backcourt.
The Thunder rely heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posts 32.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 42.5% from deep. Chet Holmgren adds 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, while Jalen Williams contributes 17.6 points and 5.3 assists. Isaiah Joe (11.7 points, 42.8% 3P) and Ajay Mitchell (14.1 points, 3.6 assists) bolster perimeter scoring.
Philadelphia’s recent losses include a 102-109 defeat to Chicago and a 106-114 setback against Brooklyn, highlighting struggles without Embiid and Oubre Jr. Oklahoma City lost 102-117 and 110-130 to San Antonio in back-to-back contests, ending a strong start to the season.
