memphis grizzlies 115 vs philadelphia 76ers 109

On Thursday, the Grizzlies travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers, while both teams try to begin the final stretch with a victory. This is the final time the two top teams will play each other this season. The Grizzlies took the first matchup 117-109, behind 28 points from Ja Morant.

The 76ers came into the all star break riding a hot streak, winning four in a row and 12 of 15. They hold the third spot in the East at 38-19, 2.5 games behind the second place Bucks. Philadelphia has both star power and a deep bench that has combined to form a top contender. Joel Embiid is giving the Sixers yet another MVP quality campaign with averages of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists a night. Philly looks to be as dangerous as ever this season.

The Grizzlies look like they are starting to return back to form after a rocky few weeks. Although they struggled, Memphis was able to maintain their position as 2nd in the West, with a 35-22 record, in large part due to Morant. The 23 year old all star is top 8 in the NBA in points (27.3) and assists (8.3) this season and has been playing his best ball of late, averaging 27.7 points, 9.8 assists, and 7.5 rebounds in his last 10 games.