76ers And Warriors Face Off Amid Injuries And Playoff Pressure

The Philadelphia 76ers rolled into San Francisco on February 3, 2026, looking to extend their impressive four-game winning streak as they took on the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. With both teams boasting winning records—Philadelphia at 28-21 and Golden State at 27-23—this late-night NBA showdown promised intensity, even as both squads faced significant absences from their usual lineups.

Tip-off was set for 10:00 PM Eastern, with fans tuning in on NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, and streaming platforms like Fubo, Peacock, and NBA League Pass. For those in the Bay Area, the Chase Center was buzzing, but the absence of some of the league’s biggest stars was impossible to ignore.

Philadelphia entered the contest fresh off a convincing 128-113 victory over the LA Clippers just the night before—a game in which Tyrese Maxey dazzled with 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Dominick Barlow, stepping up in the absence of Paul George (serving a suspension), delivered a career night with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ cornerstone, contributed 24 points in that win but was ruled out for the Warriors clash due to an ankle injury, sitting out the second game of the back-to-back. The Sixers’ roster was further tested by the ongoing suspension of George, leaving the team without two of its most dynamic contributors.

Meanwhile, the Warriors were also dealing with a depleted roster. Stephen Curry, the heart and soul of Golden State, was sidelined with a knee injury, joined on the injury list by Seth Curry (knee), Jonathan Kuminga (knee), and L.J. Cryer (hamstring). Jimmy Butler, acquired earlier in the season, remained out for the year with a knee injury, and Moses Moody was listed as probable with a knee issue. The Warriors, however, have proven resilient at home, entering the night with a strong 17-8 record in their own arena.

With both teams missing star power, the game’s outcome was anything but a foregone conclusion. Oddsmakers gave the Warriors a slight edge, listing them as 3.5- to 5-point favorites across various sportsbooks and setting the over/under at 221.5 points. The moneyline reflected the uncertainty: Warriors at -200 and the Sixers at +165, with some books offering Philadelphia at +140.

Despite the personnel challenges, both squads had plenty of firepower left. Tyrese Maxey has been the engine for Philadelphia this season, averaging 29.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, along with two steals—second in the league. VJ Edgecombe, though coming off a tough shooting night against the Clippers (just five points on 1-of-11 shooting), has been a steady contributor with 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per contest. Quentin Grimes, another key piece, averages 13.1 points and nearly two made threes per game, while Kelly Oubre Jr. has provided consistent double-digit scoring with 14.2 points per outing.

For Golden State, the absence of Curry meant more responsibility for the supporting cast. Eight Warriors scored in double digits in their previous outing—a 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons—showcasing the team’s depth. Brandin Podziemski, in particular, was highlighted by analysts as a player likely to step up, with some projections calling for him to notch 15 or more points in the contest. According to one preview, "Podziemski will see an expanded role in the scoring game with Curry out of the lineup. Our Action Pro Report projects 17.6 points tonight."

Both teams entered the game with nearly identical offensive averages. The Warriors were putting up 116.7 points per game, while the Sixers were just a shade better at 116.9. Defensively, the 76ers allowed 115.7 points per contest, and the Warriors surrendered 114. The statistical parity only added to the intrigue—would the Sixers’ recent hot streak carry them through, or would the Warriors’ home-court advantage and depth prove decisive?

The betting community was split. Some analysts favored the Warriors at home, citing Philadelphia’s thin rotation and the fatigue factor from playing on consecutive nights. "Philly is in a tough spot tonight on a back-to-back and likely without Embiid. Additionally, the Sixers will be without Paul George for the next two months, who is serving a suspension. I do not believe the Sixers have enough depth to overcome these key absences tonight," one prediction noted. Others pointed to Maxey’s ability to carry the load and the Sixers’ recent surge as reasons for optimism.

Fans tuning in had plenty of options. Those outside the local markets could stream the game on NBA League Pass, with Amazon Prime Video offering a free trial and discounted subscriptions for new viewers. Team Pass options also allowed diehards to follow their favorite squad throughout the season.

Injury reports remained a central storyline. For the Sixers, the official list was short but impactful: Paul George (suspension) and Joel Embiid (ankle) both out. The Warriors’ report was more crowded, with Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, and L.J. Cryer all sidelined, and Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury still looming large.

As the game tipped off, all eyes were on which supporting cast would rise to the occasion. Could Maxey replicate his heroics from the previous night? Would the Warriors’ bench deliver another balanced effort? And might a role player—like Podziemski—seize the moment in the national spotlight?

With so much at stake for both teams in the playoff race, every possession mattered. The Sixers, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference and just three games back of second place, looked to keep building momentum. The Warriors, eighth in the West and angling for a higher seed, hoped to defend their home floor and prove they could win without their superstar.

As of press time, the action at the Chase Center was still unfolding, and the final outcome remained up in the air. With stars sidelined and new heroes emerging, this East vs. West battle was shaping up to be a true test of depth, determination, and grit. Fans on both coasts—and plenty in between—were glued to their screens, eager to see which team would step up when it mattered most.

No matter how the night ends, one thing’s certain: the NBA’s regular season drama is alive and well, with the Sixers and Warriors delivering another chapter in a campaign full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.