To no one’s suprise, the Sixers are 1-8 and bottoming in the East. They are, however, one of the most exciting last-placed teams we’ve seen in a while, thanks in large part to Joel “The Process” Embiid. The big man is finally healthy and playing well after missing his first two seasons with a foot injury.
Embiid, who rested in Saturday’s 117-96 loss to the Hawks, is averaging 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game this season, while playing under 26 minutes. He should be able to play in the upcoming game.
By the numbers, it looks like they will (96.4 ppg, 28th in the league) get blasted by the Rockets’ quick-trigger offense, which will probably happen. Having said that, don’t count out a good passing team (Philly is sixth in the league in assists per game, with 24.4) against a team with a Mike D’Antoni style of defense.
Expect the Sixers’ pass-first point guard, Sergio Rodriguez (seventh in the league in assists), to distribute the ball well to Embiid, Gerald Henderson, Jahlil Okafor, Ersan Ilyasova, Robert Covington and all the other guys on the rotation. If they can get hot early, they should be able to provide a competitive game for the Rockets.
The Sixers have lost 19 straight road games (8-11 ATS).
Betting on the Houston Rockets
In Saturday’s 106-100 loss to the Spurs, James Harden continued his string of impressive numbers, recording his second straight triple-double this season (he also has seven double-doubles). The All-Star guard has shined well under D’Antoni’s system. Many expected an increase in stats, but we’re looking at averages of 30 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 13 assists per game, and it’s insane.
Harden should be able to continue his stat-stuffing ways against the Sixers. The lane will be clogged by Embiid, Okafor, and the other forwards, and the rebounds might not be that high, but he could easily get 30-plus points and 10-plus assists.
Expect the Rockets’ other scoring options, Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza, who are also sharp-shooters, to pour in multiple threes. The trio, along with Harden, are combining for 11.4 threes this season.
The team has a lot to improve on defense, but for this game, they may need to focus on the paint, because of the two aforementioned skilled giants they have to contain. After permitting the Hawks to pound the ball inside for 62 points last week, the Rockets have now allowed 96 points in the paint in their last two outings.
The Rockets are 4-2 SU (3-3 ATS) in their last six games at home.
