76ers’ Dowtin to Start as Philadelphia Faces Short-Handed Pacers

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Jeff Dowtin is set to make his first career start for the Philadelphia 76ers as they face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Dowtin’s opportunity arises due to a string of injuries affecting key players, including Paul George (groin) and Tyrese Maxey. With additional absences of Kelly Oubre (ankle), Justin Edwards (ankle) and Quentin Grimes (illness), Dowtin is primed to take on a significant role alongside Jared Butler in the frontcourt.

Dowtin’s recent performances have earned him this moment; he comes off a career night where he scored 20 points against the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday. “I’m just focused on playing my game and making the most of this opportunity,” said Dowtin after practice. “It’s exciting to get this chance and contribute to the team.”

Philadelphia enters this matchup having lost five of its last seven games, showcasing a lack of consistency. In their recent contest against Toronto, they fell short, 118-105, as they struggled to find rhythm on both offense and defense. The 76ers managed to shoot only 7-for-35 from beyond the arc, contributing to their eighth consecutive loss on the road. They currently hold a record of 22-43.

Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes was the leading scorer in that game, racking up 29 points, and has accumulated 89 points over the last three contests. “We have to play smarter and more together,” Grimes noted. “With so many guys out, we have to find ways to make it work.”

In contrast, the Raptors featured three 20-point scorers in A.J. Lawson, Jared Rhoden, and Orlando Robinson, demonstrating their depth despite their own challenges, including missing key players. Toronto capitalized on the 76ers’ slow start and shooting woes, which helped them secure their fifth win in six outings.

The key moment of the match came in the fourth quarter when the Raptors opened with a 12-2 run, extending their lead after the 76ers had cut it to just three points entering the final period. Notably, the Raptors shot an impressive 8-for-12 from three-point range during a 40-point second quarter.

Looking ahead, both teams are set to compete again on Friday night, with Philadelphia hosting Indiana, and Toronto embarking on a four-game road trip starting in Utah. The outcome of these games could affect not only playoff positioning but also the upcoming NBA draft lottery, with the 76ers needing to secure a top draft pick in case they continue to struggle.

As for the 76ers, they plan to make adjustments to improve their shooting performance and reduce turnovers, with hopes that new rotations, including Dowtin’s presence, will spark a turnaround. Coach Doc Rivers emphasized, “It’s crucial we find a way to come together as a team and fight through these challenging times.”