Points will be at a premium in Wednesday’s best NBA game when the Philadelphia 76ers host the San Antonio Spurs, who are in the midst of club record-tying nine-game road trip.
Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense is allowing just 86.6 points a game. The 76ers have won six of their past seven games, beating contenders Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Sixers (18-7) are even better at holding onto the ball. With four turnovers against LA and only 42 over their past six games, they set the lowest total for that span since 1971, when turnovers became an official stat.
The Spurs (17-9), once known for their own staunch defense, rank just 12th in points allowed (93.5) and 24th in field goal defense (45.3).
After losing its first five road games, San Antonio enters Wednesday 4-8 on the road, recently toughing out a 89-84 win at Memphis for a fifth straight win.
Tim Duncan’s 19 points against the Grizzlies made him the 26th player in league history to score over 22 thousand (22,009).
Meanwhile, Player of the Week Tony Parker is on fire in February averaging 26.3 points and 
6.8 assists. He and Duncan have stepped up for an injured Manu Ginobili, who broke his hand January 2nd.
San Antonio is 14-7 since Ginobili’s injury and has relied not only its stars but also a very productive bench.
The Sixers may have trouble defending Duncan. Center Spencer Hawes is doubtful with a sore Achilles’ and Elton Brand (sprained thumb) is a game-time decision.
Spurs guard T.J. Ford (torn hamstring) is a few weeks away from returning.