Wizards at 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have matched their season worst losing streak of three games and attempt to halt it when they host the Washington Wizards on Saturday. The 76ers were drubbed 117-98 by the Dallas Mavericks on Friday for their second straight home loss after winning their first 14.
Philadelphia has played poorly during a funk that began with a 20-point setback against the Brooklyn Nets and continued with a four-point loss to Miami for the first home defeat prior to the debacle against Dallas. “The past three games we have laid eggs," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters after Friday's loss. "We have not played with a competitive drive. It’s not how I see the world.” Washington has dropped nine of its last 11 games after opening a four-game road trip with a 122-118 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Shooting guard Bradley Beal contributed 37 points, seven rebounds and six assists while tallying 30 or more points for the 12th time season.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington Plus, NBCS Philadelphia Plus
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (8-19): Backup point Ish Smith poured in a season-best 26 points on 9-of-9 shooting - including four 3-pointers - in a stunning performance on Friday. "This is something that maybe you think about when you’re freakin’ 40 years old and you’re in the rocking chair with your wife and your kids,” Smith told reporters afterward. The 31-year-old journeyman entered the contest with a 7.5 career scoring average but is more of a true playmaker than starter Isaiah Thomas.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (20-10): Star center Joel Embiid registered 33 points and 17 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double but none of his teammates scored more than 12 points against Dallas. Among the 76ers who had a poor outing was forward Tobias Harris, who was 3-of-11 shooting while scoring a season-low seven points. Philadelphia was just 10-of-34 from 3-point range with Embiid knocking down three - the third time this season that he has made three or more.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The 76ers lost 119-113 at Washington on Dec. 5, but have won six straight at home in the series.
2. Harris is 4-of-19 from 3-point range over the past five games.
3. Washington F Davis Bertans was 2-of-12 from 3-point range against Toronto, one game after making 7-of-13.