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Sixers-Thunder: Somehow limiting turnovers a must for Philly

The Thunders have won the last 16 series meetings against the Sixers.

Sixers’ Joel Embiid reacts after fouling out against the Wizards during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 29.
Sixers’ Joel Embiid reacts after fouling out against the Wizards during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 29.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Oklahoma City Thunder (13-14) at 76ers  (14-13)

Friday at 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

Keep an eye on turnovers in this game. The Sixers lead the NBA in that category, averaging 17.2 per game. The Thunder leads the league in opponents turnovers (17.8) and steals (9.93). So one would assume the Sixers definitely need to take care of the basketball against  Oklahoma City. They must also try to contain the Thunder's big three in All-Stars Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: ESPN

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Thunder  (13-14)

13 Paul George SF 6-9 20.3 ppg. 2.44 spg.

7 Carmelo Anthony PF 6-8 17.7  ppg. 6.4 rpg.

12 Steven Adams C 7-0 14.0 ppg. 8.7 rpg.

8 Alex Abrines SG 6-6 5.4 ppg. 1.6 rpg.

0  Russell Westbrook G 6-3 22.6 ppg. 9.9 apg.

Coach: Billy Donovan (third season, 115-76)

Injury report:  Andre Roberson (sprained left ankle, out).

Sixers (14-13)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  15.3 ppg. 6.2 rpg.

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  11.8 ppg. 6.8 rpg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 23.7 ppg. 11.1 rpg.

17 JJ Redick G 6-4  17.0 ppg. 3.5 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.5 ppg. 7.7 apg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 89-266)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder rehabilitation, out); Justin Anderson (shin splints, out)

Head to head

The Thunder / Seattle SuperSonics hold a 67-64 series advantage and have won the last 16 meetings.

Coming games

Monday: 8 p.m., at United Center, Sixers at Chicago Bulls

Tuesday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Sacramento Kings at Sixers

Thursday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Toronto Raptors at Sixers

Dec. 23: 5 p.m., at Air Canada Centre, Sixers at Raptors

Dec. 25: 12 p.m., at Madison Square Garden, Sixers at Knicks