A jam-packed Friday night of NBA basketball awaits you, including an Eastern Conference matchup between Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and the high-scoring Toronto Raptors. And shortly after this, Joel Embiid’s suddenly-hot Philadelphia 76ers tries to keep it going when they play host to James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Get to know more about each game below.
Both teams are looking to end rough stretches. Milwaukee’s lost six of its last seven games (1-6 ATS), while Toronto is on a five-game skid (1-4 ATS). But the Raptors seem more primed to bounce back first after already taking home the Ws in the first two regular-season meetings in this matchup. Still, Giannis Antetokounmpo (23.5 PPG) and Jabari Parker (20.5 PPG) will keep the Bucks in it, potentially to the point of even stealing this game away if Toronto continues to give away buckets. The Raps have allowed 101 or more points in its last four games.
Writer’s Prediction
Toronto wins, 106-100.
Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers (8:00 PM ET)
Joel Embiid is expected to play here, and should be ready to hear “Trust the Process” chants vibrating all over the Wells Fargo Center upon his introduction. His Sixers currently have the third-best record since the New Year began, going 9-3 SU (11-2 ATS). That stretch includes six-straight victories at home. Make that seven-consecutive home wins if the Rockets, who have lost three of their last four games, continue to play on offense only. Their defense is giving up 114.0 points in the past three outings.
Houston blew out the Sixers back at the Toyata Center earlier this season, 115-88. James Harden lit up the stat sheet there, finishing with 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
