NBA: Trendon Watford making impressions as 76ers close trip at Blazers

The Philadelphia 76ers look to finish a five-game road trip on a high note when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

Philadelphia is 3-1 on the Western swing and has won six of its last seven games overall, including four double-digit victories. The 76ers currently hold a top-six playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting 2½ games ahead of the Orlando Magic.

As the postseason approaches, identifying reliable contributors is key. Forward Trendon Watford has shown he could play a valuable role. Watford scored 16 points in Tuesday’s 113-94 win over the Golden State Warriors and added six points in each of the next two games. His 16-point performance marked his highest since November. He also grabbed seven rebounds in 27 minutes during Saturday’s 109-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

“You got to be ready to help the team,” 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey said about Watford’s contributions. “Your number is going to be called. It’s inevitable. You need everybody to win games.”

Maxey had 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists against the Suns, while Joel Embiid led with 33 points and nine rebounds. Coach Nick Nurse noted that Watford and Embiid complement each other well on the floor.

“He seems to fit pretty well with Joel due to his spacing and passing,” Nurse said.

Watford agreed. “Creating chemistry. We had a few plays Saturday when I had a small player on me,” he said, referring to setups for Embiid, who is questionable for Monday’s game. “Little stuff. Just building confidence together.”

Watford, 25, is in his fifth NBA season. He spent his first two seasons with the Trail Blazers and the next two with the Brooklyn Nets. He has career averages of 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 247 games, including 34 starts.

Meanwhile, Maxey ranks fourth in the NBA with 169 three-pointers and was named one of eight contestants for next weekend’s All-Star 3-point shooting contest.

The Trail Blazers are coming off back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, ending a season-worst six-game losing streak. Portland defeated Memphis 135-115 on Friday and 122-115 on Saturday. Jerami Grant scored 29 points and made six three-pointers in the latter game, while Jrue Holiday added 21 points. Donovan Clingan dominated inside with 20 points and 19 rebounds.

“He’s a beast,” Grant said of Clingan. “He’s been amazing for us all year on the boards and in the paint. He’s helping us win a lot of games.”

Portland outscored Memphis 34-19 in the fourth quarter Saturday and held the Grizzlies to 27.3% shooting (6 of 22) in the final 12 minutes.

Injuries remain a concern for the Trail Blazers. All-Star Deni Avdija (back) is questionable after missing nine of 13 games, and Shaedon Sharpe (left calf) is ruled out for Monday. Scoot Henderson (left hamstring) is expected to play after sitting out Saturday.

The teams split two meetings last season, with the road team winning each time.

-Field Level Media/Reuters