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Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers

Wednesday night’s slate of NBA games includes a battle of the bottom versus the top as the Houston Rockets (11-16, 14th in the Western Conference) take on the Philadelphia 76ers (18-10, 1st in the Eastern Conference). Philadelphia will host this one from Wells Fargo Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.

The Houston Rockets have been in freefall as of late, losing six games in a row. Their latest defeat was at the hands of the Washington Wizards, who beat them 131-119. In the loss, John Wall led the team with 29 points and 11 assists.  

Philadelphia has hit its dry spell, having lost three in a row. As a result, they have seen their lead in the East shrink to just 1.5 games over the Milwaukee Bucks. In their latest loss, a 134-123 loss to the Utah Jazz, the 76ers were without star center Joel Embiid, who has been sitting games out periodically due to back issues.

Philadelphia is the favorite playing at home. The spread features the Rockets +10.5 while the over/under for total points is 225.5.

By The Numbers

Philadelphia has been the stronger of the two teams offensively. They currently rank 9th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 114.5 points per game. The Rockets fall to 23rd averaging 109.2 points per game (104 over the last three).

Defensively, the Rockets have been the stronger team this season. They rank 9th in scoring defense, allowing 111 points per game (117.7 over the last three). The 76ers rank 13th allowing 111.6 points, although they have also struggled as of late, allowing 124 over their last three games.

Houston Looks To Break Losing Streak

After showing signs of more unity after the James Harden trade, the Rockets have fallen flat over the last few weeks. Hoping to avoid a seventh loss in a row, they will have to beat a very solid 76ers team.

Part of the Rockets’ problem has been on the injury front. Big man Christian Wood is out with an ankle injury. Furthermore, Victor Oladipo, P.J. Tucker, and Eric Gordon are all questionable for this game. Collectively, that is roughly 65 points a game missing from their lineup if all four are out. 

Leading the way for the Rockets is guard John Wall. While playing in 18 games this season, he is averaging 20 points on 43.9% shooting. He is also averaging 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

Other contributors include David Nwaba (8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds), Danuel House Jr. (8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds), and DeMarcus Cousins (9.3 points, 7.6 rebounds). 

Philadelphia Hopes To Take Advantage Of A Break In The Schedule

In their last three games, the 76ers have faced three of the top five teams in the Western Conference, so it should come as a relief to be facing the lowly Rockets. They hope that the favorable matchup will give them a chance to get back into the win column.

Like the Rockets, they have been trying to work through an injury to their biggest star, Joel Embiid. He has missed six of the team’s games this season due to back issues, but when he has played, it has been at an MVP level. He is averaging 29.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

The two other significant performers for the 76ers have been forward Tobias Harris and guard Ben Simmons. Harris has averaged 20.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and three assists per game, while Simmons has averaged 15.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, eight assists, and 1.7 steals.

Injuries Will Dictate Bet

This one is tough to call simply because of how many players are questionable. Regardless, I like the 76ers to win in this one, but the question comes down to whether they can cover the 10.5-point spread.

If Joel Embiid plays, I will take Philadelphia to cover. With Christian Wood out, Embiid could have a field day in the paint. If Embiid doesn’t play, I am probably taking the Rockets to cover the spread.

It is also worth monitoring whether Victor Oladipo, P.J. Tucker, or Eric Gordon play because they are all significant contributors to the Rockets.

Again, monitor the active/inactive list closer to the game, but with the expectation that Embiid probably plays in this one, I will take Philadelphia to win and cover the 10.5-point spread.

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