Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Clippers: High-Stakes NBA Showdown Set for February 2, 2026
The NBA schedule features a compelling interconference matchup as the Philadelphia 76ers travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2026. This game holds significant implications for playoff seeding in both conferences, with the 76ers currently positioned third in the Eastern Conference and the Clippers fifth in the Western Conference.
Team Standings and Season Performance
Philadelphia enters this contest with an impressive 32-18 record, showcasing their strength in the competitive East. Meanwhile, Los Angeles stands at 29-21, demonstrating their resilience in the tough Western Conference landscape. This marks the second meeting between these franchises this season, with Philadelphia narrowly winning the first encounter 110-108 on November 17, 2025.
Injury Reports and Player Availability
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Status:
- Joel Embiid is listed as probable with an ankle issue after missing one game. The star center averages 28.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
- Tyrese Maxey is fully available, contributing 24.1 points and 6.5 assists nightly.
- Paul George remains healthy, adding 18.7 points and 5.3 rebounds.
- De’Anthony Melton is out with a right hamstring strain, missing his third consecutive game.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. is questionable due to left knee soreness.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Status:
- James Harden is day-to-day for personal reasons but is expected to play approximately 28 minutes.
- Kawhi Leonard is available, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 rebounds.
- Ivica Zubac is healthy, posting 14.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
- Derrick Jones Jr. is out indefinitely with right knee soreness.
- Bojan Bogdanovic is questionable due to left hip soreness.
Head-to-Head Record and Statistical Analysis
Historically, Philadelphia dominates the regular-season series with a 79-64 lead in 143 games dating back to 1970. Since 2020, the 76ers hold a 4-1 advantage, having won three of the last five meetings. A detailed statistical comparison reveals:
- Points Per Game: Philadelphia averages 118.3, while Los Angeles scores 115.7.
- Field Goal Percentage: 76ers shoot 48.2%, Clippers at 47.8%.
- Rebounding: Los Angeles holds an edge with 46.1 rebounds per game compared to Philadelphia's 43.8.
- Assists and Turnovers: Philadelphia averages 25.6 assists with 13.2 turnovers, while Los Angeles has 24.9 assists and 14.1 turnovers.
- Three-Point Shooting: 76ers connect at 36.5%, Clippers at 35.9%.
Key Matchup Factors and Game Strategy
The outcome will likely hinge on several critical factors. Philadelphia's success depends heavily on Joel Embiid's interior dominance and Tyrese Maxey's perimeter scoring. Conversely, Los Angeles relies on Kawhi Leonard's two-way excellence and James Harden's playmaking abilities.
Strategic advantages may emerge from injury absences. The Clippers could exploit Philadelphia's defense without De’Anthony Melton, while the 76ers might focus on attacking the paint given their scoring efficiency. With both teams jockeying for improved playoff positioning as the season approaches the All-Star break, every possession will carry heightened importance.
This matchup promises intense competition as two of the NBA's elite franchises collide, each aiming to solidify their standing and build momentum for the postseason push.
