Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Match Series Analysis: 2024-25 NBA Season

The Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers met twice during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, delivering a split series that showcased contrasting styles—Philadelphia’s star-driven offense against Portland’s gritty, depth-reliant approach. This article provides a detailed breakdown of both games, focusing on verified player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced exclusively from ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports, and The Athletic. The games analyzed are from December 30, 2024, and March 3, 2025. Below, we explore each game, including confirmed player stats, key moments, and team performance context, ensuring all information is accurate and directly tied to verified sources.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Portland Trail Blazers vs 76ers Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: December 30, 2024 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
  • Game 2: March 3, 2025 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia
• Series Result: Series split 1–1

Series Overview: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 2024-25 NBA Season

The Trail Blazers and 76ers split their two-game series, with Philadelphia dominating 125-103 on December 30, 2024, at Moda Center in Portland, and Portland responding with a 119-102 victory on March 3, 2025, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The series highlighted Philadelphia’s reliance on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Game 1, contrasted by Portland’s rebounding and Anfernee Simons’ scoring in Game 2. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (December 30, 2024): Philadelphia 76ers 125, Portland Trail Blazers 103
• Game 2 (March 3, 2025): Portland Trail Blazers 119, Philadelphia 76ers 102

Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers 125, Portland Trail Blazers 103 (December 30, 2024)

Game Summary

The Philadelphia 76ers cruised to a 125-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 30, 2024, at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Joel Embiid led with 37 points and nine rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey added 23 points, powering a balanced attack. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 15 points and a remarkable eight steals, and Guerschon Yabusele scored 16 points off the bench. The Trail Blazers, hampered by a league-worst fourth-lowest field goal percentage (48.1%), struggled offensively, with no specific player stats available from verified sources, though Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons were noted as key contributors in previews. Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak and defensive intensity, highlighted by Oubre’s steals, overwhelmed Portland.

Key Player Stats: Philadelphia 76ers

• Joel Embiid (C): 37 points, 12-for-21 FG (57.1%), 1-for-1 3PT (100.0%), 12-for-13 FT (92.3%), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 36 minutes, +26 +/-, 69.2% TS. Embiid’s dominance included a 16-foot two-point shot assisted by Reggie Jackson, setting the tone in the paint.
• Tyrese Maxey (G): 23 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 6-for-6 FT (100.0%), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls, 36 minutes, +14 +/-, 73.5% TS. Maxey’s perimeter scoring included a two-point shot assisted by Kelly Oubre Jr.
• Kelly Oubre Jr. (F): 15 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100.0%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 37 minutes, +22 +/-, 66.3% TS. Oubre’s defensive impact included a block on Anfernee Simons’ 25-foot three-pointer and multiple steals, with offensive contributions like a 7-foot driving floating jump shot and a 21-foot jumper assisted by Embiid.
• Guerschon Yabusele (F, Reserve): 16 points, 6-for-9 FG (66.7%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 28 minutes, +17 +/-, 77.5% TS. Yabusele’s efficient bench scoring provided a critical spark.
• Paul George (F): 9 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 0-for-0 FT, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 5 fouls, 23 minutes, +20 +/-, 50.0% TS. George’s impact was limited by foul trouble, but he assisted Oubre on a 4-foot two-point shot.
• Caleb Martin (F): 7 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 3 fouls, 38 minutes, +27 +/-, 58.3% TS. Martin made a 22-foot three-point jumper assisted by Oubre.
• Reggie Jackson (G): 3 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 18 minutes, +3 +/-, 38.7% TS. Jackson assisted Embiid on a 16-foot two-point shot.
• Jeff Dowtin Jr. (G, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-1 FG (100.0%), 1-for-1 3PT (100.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 fouls, 5 minutes, -3 +/-, 150.0% TS. Dowtin’s limited minutes included a three-pointer.
• Ricky Council IV (G, Reserve): 7 points, 2-for-2 FG (100.0%), 1-for-1 3PT (100.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100.0%), 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 14 minutes, -11 +/-, 121.5% TS. Council’s efficient scoring included a three-pointer.
• Pete Nance (F, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-1 FG (100.0%), 1-for-1 3PT (100.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 3 fouls, 3 minutes, -2 +/-, 150.0% TS. Nance made a three-pointer in limited minutes.
• Adem Bona (F, Reserve): 2 points, 0-for-0 FG, 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100.0%), 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2 fouls, 4 minutes, -3 +/-, 113.6% TS. Bona scored via free throws.
• Inactives: Jared McCain (lateral meniscus tear) and KJ Martin (shoulder) were out, per injury reports from mid-December, though not explicitly confirmed for this game.

Team Stats: 43/75 FG (57.3%), 11/24 3PT (45.8%), FT% unavailable, 32 rebounds, 19 turnovers, 36 points off turnovers, points in the paint, assists, steals, blocks, and fastbreak points unavailable. The 76ers’ efficient shooting and ability to force turnovers were key

Key Player Stats: Portland Trail Blazers

• No specific player stats are available from verified sources for Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, or others. Previews note Simons and Grant as key offensive contributors, with Simons’ 25-foot three-point attempt blocked by Kelly Oubre Jr. mentioned in play-by-play data. Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Deandre Ayton were noted for their season averages (Avdija: 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds; Simons: 17.2 points, 4.9 assists; Grant: 15.0 points; Ayton: 14.8 points, 10.4 rebounds), but no game-specific stats are confirmed.
• Inactives: Deandre Ayton (hip), Matisse Thybulle (ankle), Dalano Banton (hip), and Jerami Grant were out, per injury updates, with Toumani Camara and Robert Williams III listed as questionable but Camara confirmed as available.

Team Stats: 37/77 FG (48.1%), 5/22 3PT (22.7%), FT% unavailable, 33 rebounds, 26 turnovers, 21 points off turnovers, points in the paint, assists, steals, blocks, and fastbreak points unavailable. Portland’s poor shooting and high turnovers hindered their offense.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter: Philadelphia jumped ahead with Embiid’s early scoring and Oubre’s steals, though exact scores are unavailable.
• Second Quarter: The 76ers extended their lead with Maxey’s perimeter shooting and Yabusele’s bench contribution, per recaps.
• Third Quarter: Embiid’s dominance in the paint maintained Philadelphia’s control, though specific moments are unavailable.
• Fourth Quarter: The 76ers pulled away, with Oubre’s defensive plays and Embiid’s scoring sealing the 22-point victory.

Game 2: Portland Trail Blazers 119, Philadelphia 76ers 102 (March 3, 2025)

Game Summary

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 119-102 on March 3, 2025, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back after an overtime loss. Anfernee Simons led with 34 points, including 21 in the second half, while Shaedon Sharpe added 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. The Blazers outrebounded the 76ers 61-43, including 21 offensive rebounds, generating 17 second-chance points. Andre Drummond led Philadelphia with 25 points and 18 rebounds, but the absence of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey (who exited early in the second half) left the 76ers shorthanded. A crucial 11-2 run to end the third quarter gave Portland a 91-81 lead, which they maintained in the fourth.

Key Player Stats: Portland Trail Blazers

• Anfernee Simons (G): 34 points, 13/26 FG (50.0%), 6/11 3PT (54.5%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, +22 plus/minus, 32 minutes
• Shaedon Sharpe (G): 20 points, 8/17 FG (47.1%), 1/7 3PT (14.3%), 3/3 FT (100.0%), 11 rebounds (3 offensive), 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +16 plus/minus, 37 minutes
• Donovan Clingan (C): 13 points, 6/12 FG (50.0%), 0/0 3PT, 1/2 FT (50.0%), 13 rebounds (7 offensive), 1 assist, 3 blocks, 2 turnovers, +10 plus/minus, 29 minutes
• Duop Reath (C): 13 points, 5/6 FG (83.3%), 3/4 3PT (75.0%), 0/0 FTM, 5 rebounds (2 offensive), 2 blocks, 1 turnover, +8 plus/minus, 18 minutes
• Toumani Camara (F): 11 points, 5/8 FG (62.5%), 0/2 3PT (0.0%), 1/1 FT (100.0%), 9 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +7 plus/minus, 33 minutes
• Deni Avdija (F): 9 points, 4/10 FG (40.0%), 1/3 3PT (33.3%), 0/0 FT, 6 rebounds (2 offensive), 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +12 plus/minus, 30 minutes
• Scoot Henderson (G): 7 points, 3/9 FG (33.3%), 0/3 3PT (0.0%), 1/1 FT (100.0%), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +4 plus/minus, 22 minutes
• Jabari Walker (F): 6 points, 3/7 FG (42.9%), 0/2 3PT (0.0%), 0/0 FT, 3 rebounds (1 offensive), 1 assist, +5 plus/minus, 15 minutes
• Kris Murray (F): 4 points, 2/5 FG (40.0%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 0/0 FT, 6 rebounds (2 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal, +3 plus/minus, 20 minutes
• Dalano Banton (G): 2 points, 1/3 FG (33.3%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 0/0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +2 plus/minus, 10 minutes
• Bryce McGowens (G): 0 points, 0/1 FG (0.0%), 0/0 3PT, 0/0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 plus/minus, 8 minutes
• Rayan Rupert (G): 0 points, 0/1 FG (0.0%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 0/0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, -2 plus/minus, 6 minutes
• Inactives: Deandre Ayton (hip contusion), Jerami Grant (day-to-day), Robert Williams III (right knee), Matisse Thybulle (out)

Notes: Portland’s rebounding dominance (61-43, including 21 offensive rebounds) was key, generating 17 second-chance points. Simons’ second-half explosion (21 points) and Sharpe’s career-high 11 rebounds fueled the comeback from a 61-56 halftime deficit. The Blazers’ 11-2 run to close the third quarter secured a 91-81 lead, which they maintained in the fourth.

Key Player Stats: Philadelphia 76ers

• Andre Drummond (C): 25 points, 10/16 FG (62.5%), 0/0 3PT, 5/7 FT (71.4%), 18 rebounds (14 offensive), 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers, -15 plus/minus, 29 minutes
• Justin Edwards (F): 16 points, 7/12 FG (58.3%), 2/4 3PT (50.0%), 0/0 FT, 6 rebounds (1 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -10 plus/minus, 30 minutes
• Jeff Dowtin Jr. (G): 12 points, 5/11 FG (45.5%), 2/4 3PT (50.0%), 0/0 FT, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -12 plus/minus, 28 minutes
• Quentin Grimes (G): 10 points, 4/10 FG (40.0%), 2/5 3PT (40.0%), 0/0 FT, 4 rebounds (1 offensive), 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -8 plus/minus, 27 minutes
• Guerschon Yabusele (F): 8 points, 3/7 FG (42.9%), 1/3 3PT (33.3%), 1/2 FT (50.0%), 5 rebounds (2 offensive), 3 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, -9 plus/minus, 25 minutes
• Lonnie Walker IV (G): 6 points, 2/8 FG (25.0%), 1/5 3PT (20.0%), 1/1 FT (100.0%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -7 plus/minus, 22 minutes
• Ricky Council IV (G): 4 points, 2/5 FG (40.0%), 0/2 3PT (0.0%), 0/0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, -5 plus/minus, 18 minutes
• Other Players: Limited details available for bench players like KJ Martin, Adem Bona, or Reggie Jackson, who played minimal or no minutes. Play-by-play data confirms contributions from Dowtin (e.g., 22-foot three-pointer) and Grimes (e.g., layup).
• Inactives: Joel Embiid (right oral surgery), Paul George (questionable, did not play), Kyle Lowry (out). Tyrese Maxey exited early in the second half; no stats reported due to limited playtime.

Team Stats: FG%, 3PT%, FT% unavailable, 43 rebounds (14 offensive), 23 second-chance points, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers unavailable. The 76ers were outrebounded significantly.

Notes: Drummond’s first-half dominance (16 points, 11 rebounds) kept Philadelphia competitive, leading 61-56 at halftime. However, the 76ers were outrebounded significantly (43-61) and struggled without Embiid, George, and Maxey (post-exit). Portland’s third-quarter run (11-2) shifted momentum, and the 76ers couldn’t recover in the fourth.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter: Portland started slowly due to their back-to-back, but specific scores are unavailable. Drummond’s early rebounding kept Philadelphia competitive.
• Second Quarter: The 76ers led 61-56 at halftime, driven by Drummond’s 16 points and 11 rebounds, per recaps.
• Third Quarter: Philadelphia was within one point (3:00 remaining) before Portland’s 11-2 run, led by Simons’ scoring, gave them a 91-81 lead.
• Fourth Quarter: Portland maintained a double-digit lead, with Sharpe’s rebounding and Simons’ shooting sealing the 119-102 victory.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2004, the Trail Blazers and 76ers have played 41 games, with Philadelphia leading 22-19, averaging 103.1 PPG to Portland’s 104.7 PPG.

In the 2024-25 season, the series split 1-1, highlighting:

• Rebounding Disparity: Portland’s 61 rebounds (21 offensive) in Game 2 contrasted with their 33 rebounds in Game 1, showcasing their potential when healthy.
• Star Impact: Philadelphia’s 57.3% FG and 45.8% 3PT in Game 1, led by Embiid and Maxey, overwhelmed Portland.
• Injury Effects: The 76ers’ absences of Embiid, George, and Maxey in Game 2 shifted the momentum to Portland’s depth.

Portland’s Strengths:

• Anfernee Simons’ scoring (34 points in Game 2) and Sharpe’s rebounding (11 in Game 2).
• Rebounding dominance in Game 2 (61-43 edge).

Philadelphia’s Strengths:

• Embiid’s dominance (37 points, 9 rebounds in Game 1).
• Defensive intensity, with Oubre’s 8 steals in Game 1.

Series Standouts

Portland Trail Blazers

• Anfernee Simons: Series MVP with 34 points (6-for-11 3PT) in Game 2, driving the second-half comeback.
• Shaedon Sharpe: Contributed 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in Game 2, showcasing versatility.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Joel Embiid: Dominated Game 1 with 37 points (9-for-18 FG) and 9 rebounds, setting the tone.
• Tyrese Maxey: Added 23 points in Game 1, complementing Embiid’s interior play.
• Andre Drummond: Stepped up in Game 2 with 25 points and 18 rebounds, despite the loss.

Team Performance Context

Portland Trail Blazers (27-34 by March 3, 2025)
The Trail Blazers were a mid-tier team with a 27-34 record and 11-20 road record by March 3. Their offense ranked 25th (108.1 PPG), and their 33.1% three-point shooting was fourth-worst in the league. However, their 4-1 record on a seven-game road trip entering Game 2, capped by a 61-rebound performance, showed resilience despite missing Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams III.

Philadelphia 76ers (21-38 by March 3, 2025)
The 76ers struggled with a 21-38 record and a 1-9 record in their last 10 games before Game 2. Their offense ranked fifth-worst (109.0 PPG), and their 39.3 rebounds per game were the league’s lowest. Injuries to Embiid, George, and Maxey in Game 2 exposed their lack of depth, though their defense (113.6 PPG allowed) ranked 16th.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Portland Trail Blazers: Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams III were likely absent for both games due to injuries, forcing reliance on Simons, Sharpe, and rookies like Donovan Clingan.
• Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey (second half) were inactive for Game 2. No major injuries were reported for Game 1.

Conclusion

The Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers split their 2024-25 NBA season series 1-1, with Philadelphia’s 125-103 win on December 30, 2024, driven by Joel Embiid’s 37 points and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 8 steals, and Portland’s 119-102 victory on March 3, 2025, led by Anfernee Simons’ 34 points and a 61-43 rebounding edge. Injuries shaped the series, with Philadelphia’s star absences in Game 2 and Portland’s missing big men throughout. The series underscored Philadelphia’s reliance on star power and Portland’s ability to capitalize on depth and rebounding. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NBA.com, or FOX Sports.