Players To Watch In 76ers' Return to Action vs. Grizzlies

It has been a week since the Philadelphia 76ers took to the court, as the team went into All-Star break mode apart from Joel Embiid and Mac McClung, who took part in the mid-season festivities.

Embiid was picked by Lebron James for the All-Star game, dropping 32 points while grabbing seven rebounds and four assists in the big game.

Perhaps, it was McClung who surprised the league, coming out on top of the rest of the completion in the dunk contest.

For the rest of the team, it's been a week since they took to the court in the close victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Embiid led the way in scoring for Philadelphia as he dropped 29 points, while four of his teammates also put up double-digit scoring numbers.

Granted, great second halves from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland nearly took out the Sixers, as the Cavaliers' backcourt combined for 39 points.

Going into Thursday night's match, Doc Rivers only has to deal with a downgraded Dewayne Dedmon, who is listed as questionable with tightness in his left hip.

On the other side of the ticket sits the Western Conference-contending Memphis Grizzlies, who went into the break on a bit of a cold streak, losing three of their last five games.

Yet, this wasn't apparent in their narrow victory over the Utah Jazz, in which Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane would combine for 40 points.

Taylor Jenkins will only have to play without Luke Kornet, who is out with a non-covid illness.

Players to Watch:

Sixers: Joel Embiid

One of the key goals for the Sixers on Thursday is to extend their win streak, which Embiid has been imperative in setting up. During the four-game set, Embiid is averaging 31 points on 60 percent shooting while also grabbing 11 rebounds for his team.

Grizzlies: Ja Morant

Ja Morant is the Grizzlies' player to watch, as the 23-year-old is generally the playmaker for the team. Over his previous five games, Morant is averaging 27 points per game while dishing out eight assists and securing seven boards per game.

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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