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Sixers-Pistons: Can Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons duplicate success vs. Detroit?

Joel Embiid had 30 points and nine rebounds, while Ben Simmons recorded a triple-double vs. Pistons on Oct. 23.

Sixers center Joel Embiid with teammate Sixers guard Ben Simmons after Embiid drew a technique foul on the Utah Jazz during the fourth-quarter on Monday, November 20, 2017 in Philadelphia.
Sixers center Joel Embiid with teammate Sixers guard Ben Simmons after Embiid drew a technique foul on the Utah Jazz during the fourth-quarter on Monday, November 20, 2017 in Philadelphia.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Detroit Pistons (14-7) at 76ers (12-9)

Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

Let's just say Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons made lasting first impressions in their first regular-season matchups against the Pistons on Oct. 23. We're about to see how their second matchups against the Eastern Conference's fourth-best team goes.

But on that night, Embiid finished with 30 points and nine rebounds as the Sixers left the land of the winless with a 97-86 decision at Little Caesars Arena. He made 11 of 15 shots and finished with two steals in 28 minutes, 11 seconds. If there was a downside, it was his seven turnovers.

Simmons recorded his first career triple-double in the win with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.

This rematch should have an interesting subplot based on what Embiid said about Pistons center Andre Drummond after the game. The Sixers center used Drummond's trash talking as motivation.

"When we started the game, he was being aggressive and he was talking, too," Embiid said. ". … So what I was like [in my mind] 'You want to do that? I'm going to kick your [butt] then. So that's what I did."

It will be interesting to see how Drummond responds Saturday night.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Sports Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Pistons (14-7)

7 Stanley Johnson SF 6-7 7.6 ppg 3.1 rpg.

34 Tobias Harris PF 6-9 18.9  ppg. 5.3 rpg.

0 Andre  Drummond PF 6-11 14.3  ppg. 15.2 rpg.

22 Avery Bradley SG 6-2 16.6 ppg. 1.57 spg.

1 Reggie Jackson G 6-3 15.6 ppg. 5.8 apg.

Coach: Stan Van Gundy (12th season, 498-348)

Injury report: John Leuer (left sprained ankle, out)

Sixers (12-9)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  14.7 ppg. 1.62 spg

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  11.2 ppg. 6.4 rpg.

21Joel Embiid C 7-2 22.9 ppg. 11.3 rpg.

17 JJ Redick SG 6-4  15.4 ppg. 3.6 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 18.6 ppg. 9.4 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 87-262)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder scapular muscle imbalance, out); Justin Anderson (left shin splints, out); TJ McConnell (sprained AC joint in left shoulder, out);

Head to head

The Sixers have a 212-155 series advantage, but the Pistons have won six of the past eight series meetings.

Coming games

Monday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Phoenix Suns vs. Sixers

Thursday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sixers

Dec. 9: 8 p.m., at Quicken Loans Arena, Sixers at Cleveland Cavaliers

Dec. 10: 7 p.m.., at Smoothie King Center, Sixers at New Orleans Pelicans

Dec. 12: 9:30 p.m., at Target Center, Sixers at Minnesota Timberwolves