76ers Vs. Clippers: LA Defeats Philly, 78-77

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their second game in a row on Friday night at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 78-77 at home in Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers now have a 18-9 record which puts them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and in first place in the Atlantic Division ahead of the Celtics. The Clippers have a 16-8 record, which puts them in third place in the Western Conference and in first place in the Pacific Division ahead of fellow LA team, the Lakers.

The Sixers were led on Friday night by forwards Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, who each scored 12 points against the Clippers. Jodie Meeks scored 10 and Lou Williams came off the bench to add 11 points. The Clippers were led by a 24-point performance by Chris Paul. Blake Griffin also added 16 points, Randy Foye added 10 and Mo Williams came off the bench to score 14.

The 76ers will look to avoid losing three games in a row on Saturday night on the road in Cleveland against the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. (ET) while the Clippers continue their East Coast trip in Charlotte against the Bobcats on Saturday night at 7 p.m. (ET).

For more on the 76ers, check out Liberty Ballers, and for more on the Clippers, head to Clips Nation.

76ers Schedule 2012: Tough Point Guard Match-Ups In Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving

The 18-8 Philadelphia 76ers have the number one ranked defense in the NBA and one of the best defensive point guards in Jrue Holiday. Their last time out, however; they were absolutely torched, to a tune of 37 points (on 24 shots) and seven assists by All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, Tony Parker. The point guard match-ups won't get any easier this weekend when the Sixers face the best point guard in the league, Chris Paul, and the early favorite for rookie of the year, Kyrie Irving.

Paul and Irving's teams – the Clippers and Cavs – are a combined 25-22. They both rank among the top seven point guards in PER and true shooting percentage. CP3 ranks first and third in PER and TS%, respectively, and Irving ranks seventh in both. Jrue Holiday has been holding opposing point guards to a PER of 12.3 this season, so it'll be interesting to see how much he can slow Paul (25.8) and Irving (21.2).

For more information on the 76ers, please visit SB Nation Philly and Liberty Ballers.

Sixers Vs. Clippers: Batle Of 1st Place Teams Takes Place On Friday

The Sixers look to get their 19th win of the season against Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers.