Wizards Seek to Avoid Season Sweep Against Playoff-Bound 76ers

Washington hosts Philadelphia in late-season matchup as Sixers continue playoff push.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:54pm

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The struggling Washington Wizards will host the playoff-seeking Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, as the Sixers look to complete a season sweep of their Eastern Conference foe. Philadelphia has won six of its last nine games and sits seventh in the East, while the Wizards have lost 19 of their last 20 and are tied for the NBA's worst record.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup has significant playoff implications for the 76ers, who are jockeying for position in the crowded Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Wizards are playing out the string on a dismal season, but will look to play spoiler and avoid being swept by their division rivals.

The details

The 76ers (41-34) are coming off a tough loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, a game that could prove costly in the playoff race. Philadelphia led by four in the fourth quarter before Miami closed on a 16-2 run. Paul George has averaged 24.3 points since returning from suspension, while Joel Embiid had 26 points and 7 rebounds against the Heat, though he said he was under the weather. The Wizards (17-58) have lost 19 of their last 20 games and are tied with the Pacers for the NBA's worst record. Trae Young, Alex Sarr, and Bilal Coulibaly have all missed recent games due to injuries.

  • The Wizards and 76ers will meet on Wednesday, April 5, 2026.
  • Philadelphia has won all three previous matchups this season, including a 139-134 overtime victory on October 28.

The players

Paul George

A star forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who has averaged 24.3 points per game since returning from a 25-game suspension.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' All-Star center who had 26 points and 7 rebounds in Philadelphia's recent loss to the Heat, though he said he was under the weather.

Trae Young

A key player for the Washington Wizards who has missed the team's last several games due to a quad injury.

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What they’re saying

“This was kind of a tough night. I thought we started slow in each half and we just weren't making shots. We had good shots that just didn't go in. I certainly like the way we fought back.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers Head Coach

“A pretty good number of shots, right? 25. I think he took good shots most of the time. He had a bunch of them rim out or roll out. We kind of gave him that good rest period there. I thought he'd have a good stretch. He came in and hit two or three in a row, but then missed two or three in a row, but shots we want him taking.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers Head Coach

“I love our group. They come to work every day. They want to get better. We haven't had the team success we wanted, but we have had a lot of growth from a lot of our guys that will really help us going forward. There are still lessons to be learned and I think we will take advantage in the next seven games.”

— Brian Keefe, Wizards Head Coach

What’s next

The 76ers will look to bounce back from their loss to the Heat and continue their push for a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Wizards will aim to play spoiler and avoid being swept by their division rivals.

The takeaway

This late-season matchup between the playoff-bound 76ers and the struggling Wizards highlights the stark contrast in the teams' fortunes this season. While Philadelphia is jockeying for position in the crowded East, Washington is simply trying to play out the string on a dismal campaign. The Wizards will look to pull off the upset and avoid being swept by their division rivals.