The Washington Wizards face a daunting road challenge as they travel to the Xfinity Mobile Arena to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Wizards, carrying one of the league's poorest records this season, are clear underdogs against a 76ers squad that remains a formidable force at home, despite not being counted among the Eastern Conference's elite this campaign.
Game Details: How and Where to Watch
The action is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. For local viewers, the broadcast will be available on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Monumental Sports Network. Fans across the globe can stream the game live via NBA League Pass, Fubo, or other streaming platforms that offer these channels. Live score updates and detailed statistics will be provided on FOX Sports and the official NBA website.
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
The availability of key players could significantly impact this matchup. The Philadelphia 76ers enter with a relatively clean bill of health but have a couple of players listed as questionable. Trendon Watford (thigh) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) are both game-time decisions. Star center Joel Embiid is expected to play, though the team continues to carefully monitor his minutes. He averages 23.4 points per game this season.
The Washington Wizards' injury report is more concerning. They will be without Kyshawn George (hip) and Cam Whitmore (shoulder). Additionally, Corey Kispert is questionable due to a hamstring problem. This lack of depth forces the Wizards to rely heavily on their young core, including rookie standout Alex Sarr, who leads the team in both scoring and rebounding.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
One of the most critical battles will feature Philadelphia's dynamic guard, Tyrese Maxey. He has been a nightmare for opponents, averaging an impressive 31 points and 7 assists per game while draining 3.3 three-pointers nightly. He will be a primary concern for a Wizards defense that ranks near the bottom of the NBA, allowing 124 points per game on average.
For Washington, offensive responsibility falls on CJ McCollum, who leads the team with 18.8 points per game and shoots 39.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to score will be tested by Philadelphia's intimidating interior defense, which averages 6.1 blocks per contest. The rebounding battle is expected to be close, with a slight edge to the 76ers.
Player Stat Highlights:
- Tyrese Maxey (PHI): 31 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 7 APG, 3.3 3PM
- Joel Embiid (PHI): 23.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, strong shot-blocking presence.
- CJ McCollum (WAS): 18.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.7 3PM
- Alex Sarr (WAS): 17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3 APG, 49.9% FG
Betting Odds and Game Outlook
Sportsbooks heavily favor the home team. The Philadelphia 76ers are 12.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -592. The total points over/under is set at 234.5. The Washington Wizards are significant underdogs at +440 on the moneyline. However, they have performed better against the spread recently, posting a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. This trend suggests a first-half bet on the Wizards keeping pace could have value.
The projected final score leans towards a 124-112 victory for the 76ers. Philadelphia has already defeated Washington twice this season. Yet, the Wizards' recent road win against the Orlando Magic proves they can be competitive when their shots are falling. A key player prop to monitor is Tyrese Maxey scoring over 28.5 points.
