PHILLY…The 76ers are officially back home tonight! The Sixers return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 6pm game. In what seemed like forever, the Sixers are back after a 13 day, six game road-trip, and I could not be more excited for this team to be back playing at the Wells Fargo Center.

The most important player on this team, Joel Embiid, has not played in a game since November 6th, after he tested positive for COVID-19. Embiid is listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup, along with Tobias Harris, who missed the last few games due to a hip injury. The potential return of Embiid and Harris tonight would be a huge addition to this team after a rough, shorthanded 2-4 road trip.

While you may think this Minnesota game would be an easy win for the 76ers, you’re wrong. The Timberwolves 9-9 record does not reflect how this team has been playing. They were on a 5 game win streak until the Hornets snapped that last night. Minnesota is led by Anthony Edwards 22.8 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is just behind Edwards, putting up 22.7 points per game.

If Embiid plays tonight, he couldn’t be returning at a more perfect time. The Sixers have clearly struggled without him and they need to get hot. The team is sitting at 9th in the east with a 10-9 record. Is it just me or does it seem like they have 2 wins this season? Maybe that’s just me being dramatic.

Tyrese Maxey has been playing lights out this season. He’s averaging just over 18 points per game, in addition to shooting 50% from the field and 38% from 3. I can put the Sixers losses behind me because of how great Maxey has been, and he has to be a front-runner for Most Improved Player. Last season he was only averaging 8 points per game. Talk about working hard during the off-season! (Ben Simmons please take notes)

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The player the Sixers need to be concerned about is former University of Georgia star Anthony Edwards. Edwards had the NASTIEST dunk over Miami Heat’s Gabe Vincent.

The dunk didn’t count because the refs called an offensive foul. Edwards wanted the team to challenge the call, but they didn’t bother. That dunk counted in my book though because that was absolutely insane. In that game, Edwards put up 33 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. He can ball!!

I was at the Sixers Timberwolves game when Embiid and Towns got into it a couple years ago, and that was honestly the highlight of the game. This team has won 8 straight against the Timberwolves, and look to continue that streak today.

Tonight’s game is the first time these teams will face each other this season. The odds above will definitely sway in either direction based on Embiid and Harris’ availability. Regardless, I like the 76ers returning home and getting the win.

Parx Sportsbook Prediction: 76ers -5.5 (-110)

Really hoping Embiid makes his return to the court tonight. Let’s go Sixers!!!