Trendon Watford making impressions as 76ers close trip at Blazers

Philadelphia aims to wrap up five-game road swing against Portland

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia 76ers are 3-1 on their five-game Western road trip and have won six of their last seven games overall. Forward Trendon Watford has emerged as a potential contributor for the playoffs, scoring 16 points against the Golden State Warriors and providing solid production in recent games. The 76ers face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night to close out the trip. Portland is coming off back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies after a six-game losing streak.

Why it matters

The 76ers are looking to solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, and identifying potential contributors like Watford could be key for their postseason run. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are trying to build momentum after snapping their losing streak.

The details

Watford has scored in double figures in three of the last four games, including a 16-point outburst against the Warriors. 76ers coach Nick Nurse has praised Watford's fit alongside star center Joel Embiid, citing his spacing and passing. Watford, in his fifth NBA season, is looking to carve out a consistent role. The Trail Blazers, led by Jerami Grant's 29 points, defeated the Grizzlies in back-to-back games over the weekend to end their six-game skid. Rookie center Donovan Clingan had a big game with 20 points and 19 rebounds in the latter victory.

  • The 76ers are 3-1 on their five-game Western road trip.
  • The 76ers have won six of their last seven games overall.
  • The 76ers face the Trail Blazers on Monday night to close out the road trip.
  • The Trail Blazers snapped a six-game losing streak with back-to-back wins over the Grizzlies on Friday and Saturday.

The players

Trendon Watford

A 25-year-old forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who has emerged as a potential contributor for the playoffs, scoring 16 points against the Golden State Warriors and providing solid production in recent games.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who has been complementing Watford's play on the floor, according to 76ers coach Nick Nurse.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers guard who registered 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the team's recent win over the Phoenix Suns.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers who has praised Watford's fit alongside Embiid.

Jerami Grant

The Trail Blazers forward who made six 3-pointers and scored 29 points in the team's recent win over the Grizzlies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You got to be ready to help the team. Your number is going to be called. It's inevitable. You need everybody to win games.”

— Tyrese Maxey, 76ers guard

“He seems to fit pretty well with Joel due to his spacing and passing.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach

“Creating chemistry. We had a few plays (Saturday) when I had a small (player) on me. Little stuff. Just building confidence together.”

— Trendon Watford

“My teammates were finding me. I was getting open shots and getting open 3s and knocking them down.”

— Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers forward

“He's a beast. He's been amazing for us all year on the boards and in the paint. He's helping us win a lot of games.”

— Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers forward

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.