Sixers Face Youth-Driven Jazz in Battle for Top-Six Playoff Spot

Philadelphia looks to continue recent success against Utah without injured stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:49am

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The Philadelphia 76ers, currently tied for the 7th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, will face the young Utah Jazz on the road as they look to secure a top-six seed and avoid the play-in tournament. The 76ers will be without All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey due to injuries, but rookie VJ Edgecombe and veteran Justin Edwards stepped up in a recent win over the Sacramento Kings. The Jazz are coming off an impressive victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, led by rookie Ace Bailey's 33 points.

Why it matters

This matchup is crucial for the 76ers as they fight to secure a top-six playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament. With Embiid and Maxey out, other players will need to step up to keep Philadelphia in the hunt. The Jazz, despite their poor record, have shown they can compete with top teams and are led by a promising young core.

The details

The 76ers (38-32) are currently tied with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat for the 7th playoff spot in the East, a half-game behind the 6th-place Atlanta Hawks. Philadelphia is looking to continue its recent success, having won 3 of its last 4 games. Rookie VJ Edgecombe had a career-best 38 points and 11 assists in the win over Sacramento, while Justin Edwards added 32 points. The Jazz (21-49) are coming off an impressive 128-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, led by rookie Ace Bailey's 33 points and 7 3-pointers. Elijah Harkless also had a career-best 23 points and 10 assists in the win.

  • The 76ers and Jazz will face off on Saturday night (March 21, 2026) in Salt Lake City.
  • Joel Embiid has missed the last 12 games for the 76ers due to a right oblique strain and will be sidelined again for this matchup.
  • Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers' other All-Star, is also out with a finger tendon injury but is expected to return in early April.

The players

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers' rookie guard had a career-best 38 points and 11 assists in the team's recent win over the Sacramento Kings.

Justin Edwards

The 76ers' veteran forward set career highs with 32 points and 7 3-pointers in the win over Sacramento.

Ace Bailey

The Jazz's rookie guard scored a season-high 33 points and made 7 3-pointers in Utah's victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Elijah Harkless

The Jazz's second-year forward recorded career bests of 23 points and 10 assists in the win over the Bucks.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' All-Star center has missed the last 12 games due to a right oblique strain and will sit out this matchup against the Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“I was just in the flow. I was just happy. I was just out there hooping, trying to make the right plays. I don't care how many points I score. I just want to win.”

— VJ Edgecombe, 76ers Rookie Guard

“Ace is continuing to grow before our eyes. The offense is what will be talked about a lot. He's shooting the ball really well right now. He doesn't look as rushed on offense. His balance looks way better, and then I think his length and his youth and his energy defensively is really helping us. I'm really proud of him.”

— Will Hardy, Jazz Head Coach

“I'm getting comfortable. Thanks to my teammates for trusting me and putting me in position to make shots and then me having confidence to knock shots down.”

— Ace Bailey, Jazz Rookie Guard

What’s next

The 76ers will look to continue their recent success and secure a top-six playoff spot, while the Jazz will aim to build on their impressive win over the Bucks. The status of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey's returns will be closely monitored as the 76ers make their final playoff push.

The takeaway

This matchup between the 76ers and Jazz showcases the importance of depth and player development, as both teams have had to rely on young and emerging talent to keep them competitive. The 76ers' ability to win without their two All-Stars will be crucial, while the Jazz's promising rookies like Ace Bailey continue to impress and provide hope for the future.