PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Clippers enter Monday's matchup ranking first in free throw shooting at 83.8% and leading the league in post-up frequency, while the Philadelphia 76ers counter with elite rim attacks that sit sixth overall and remarkably efficient free throw conversion at 81.2%. However, the 76ers struggle with three-point shooting efficiency at 24th in the league and defensive resistance around the rim, issues that could prove costly against a Clippers squad operating on a dominant run. Los Angeles has completely transformed its season with a 17-4 stretch after sitting at 6-21 earlier , positioning themselves as formidable home challengers. Philadelphia arrives looking to build on a three-game winning streak during what marks the opening leg of a demanding five-game West Coast journey. The Sixers will navigate this contest without Paul George due to a 25-game suspension, though Joel Embiid is expected to suit up after ankle management considerations. Embiid has been historically dominant against Los Angeles, averaging 34.4 points and 12.6 rebounds in their last ten meetings, which could prove decisive if he maintains that form. The Clippers present defensive vulnerabilities on shots attacking the rim, a weakness Philly's offense should exploit given their first-place ranking in that category. The matchup sits as a virtual toss-up with the Clippers installed as slim 2-point favorites and a 220.5-point total that suggests a competitive, closely contested affair.