Mavs at Sixers Preview: Joel Embiid, James Harden Return vs. Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks play the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center.

Once upon a time, the Dallas Mavericks franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic had Las Vegas' attention in the MVP race.

In the preseason, the three-time All-NBA guard was the favorite to win MVP. Now, for the third consecutive season, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is in arms reach of the award, one that he allegedly has no interest in winning this season.

Going from MVP favorite to possibly missing the playoffs is a twisted turn of events for Doncic. NBA predictability is a thing of the past with its newfound parity across the board. Significant consequences could occur for the Mavs if they miss the playoffs after having such high hopes heading into the season.

As much as Dallas needs a victory, Philadelphia equally requires a pulse check in its recent outings. Missing the showdown vs. the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic on Monday night, Embiid returns Wednesday vs. the struggling Mavs … and James Harden as well.

Speaking of struggling, the Sixers posted a 1-4 record in their last five games, losing three consecutive contests in the stretch. 

With Doncic and Kyrie Irving in play for the ESPN-broadcasted contest, no excuses exist for the Mavs as they constantly find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Either they beat a championship-contender team, or they continue their downward spiral into the depths of the lottery. 

Mavericks vs. 76ers Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

• Maxi Kleber (QUESTIONABLE - hamstring)
• Frank Ntilikina (OUT - knee)

Philadephia 76ers

• Joel Embiid (AVAILABLE - calf)
• James Harden (AVAILABLE - achilles)

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (37-39), Philadelphia 76ers (49-26)

WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. CT.

WHERE: Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia, PA)

TV: ESPN

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Mavs are 4.5-point underdogs to the Sixers.

NEXT UP: The Mavs continue their Eastern Conference road trip on Saturday vs. the Miami Heat

FINAL WORD: Coaches and players took turns taking the blame after the Mavs' recent slump. Jason Kidd, historically known for passing the buck in such instances, finally ate some humble pie for the sake of his players.

“As coaches, what can we do better to put guys in situations, stay positive,” Mavs coach Kidd said. “Again, the energy of being positive, but the energy of encouraging them to stay focused.”

Kidd revealed that Doncic and Irving had led the leadership department. 

“When you look at our two leaders, when you look at Luka and Kai, those guys are talking to their teammates (and) they’re encouraging them,” Kidd said. “I think those two have done a great job of keeping guys connected and keep talking at halftime — after the game, at breakfast meetings — to understand that it’s not just one shot or one person that’s going to do it. It’s a team. It’s a great test for us to go through.”

Still, talk is cheap, and Dallas must put those words into action for the duration of the season.  

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