LA Clippers All-Star James Harden returns to Philadelphia for the first time since his tumultuous exit. This should be good.

Catch the game tomorrow at  7:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: LA Clippers (44-27, 22-14 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• James Harden
• Paul George
• Terrence Mann
• Kawhi Leonard
• Ivica Zubac

With James Harden anticipating a rowdy Philly homecoming, the Clippers are also seeking revenge as they just lost to the Joel Embiid-less Sixers this past Monday, 121-107, in Crypto.com Arena no less. They are on a two-game skid, and have only gone 8-10 since the All-Star break, averaging 111.1 points per game and giving up 113.7 points on defense.

Everyone on the Clippers were mediocre-at best during Monday’s loss. Kawhi Leonard (20 pts, 7/16 FGs) and Paul George (18 pts -18 +/-) didn’t have any confidence in their play, and though Harden (12 pts, 14 asst) had a double-double, the drive just wasn’t there that night.

However, this is still a talented bunch, and we can expect that they’re quite focused to get a win back, especially with Harden probably eager to show-up the likely booing Philadelphia crowd.

Russell Westbrook will be on his second game back after a three-week absence (14 pts, 7 asst on TUE vs. IND), though it’s possible he gets rested.

HOME: Philadelphia 76ers (39-33, 21-15 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Kyle Lowry
• Tyrese Maxey
• Tobias Harris / Kelly Oubre
• Nic Batum
• Mo Bamba

The Sixers are only 4-8 in their last 12 games, which isn’t encouraging, except one of those four wins was the aforementioned victory on the Clipps. They were simply rolling, shooting 53.8% from the floor that included a blistering 18-of-37 from three.

Top active scorers Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris each had 24 points in the W, while also combining for 10 assists – the former didn’t even have a single turnover. Though the opposition will be draped better on them this time around, they are sure to have confidence. We’ll see if they can build something off that upset win.

Back-up point guard and energy guy Cam Payne also shined in that outing as he chipped in 23 points, five threes, and a solid defensive effort in 24 quality minutes. He’s a microwave scorer that can alter games out of nowhere.

But, of course, the teamwork on limiting Leonard and George will be the key. Philly has a tough work ahead.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Clippers (-6) win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 218.