Has 76ers’ Momentum Been Blunted?
The Philadelphia 76ers were on an eight-game winning streak before losing a double overtime contest to the Chicago Bulls on Monday. After beating the Bulls in a mid-week rematch, they’ve since lost again, this time to the Golden State Warriors. Has their momentum been blunted?
We’ll know more when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. The Suns have lost six of their last seven and can’t seem to get untracked without Kevin Durant. Which team is the best option for your NBA picks here?
Philadelphia Rising as Playoffs Approach
The 76ers still won 9 of their last 11 games thanks to a roster that feels like it is peaking right now. It all starts with their center, Joel Embiid. Embiid is currently leading the team in a number of categories while putting himself firmly in the MVP race.
He’s averaging 33.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks a night. He’s been hot of late, though, as he’s at 35.4 points per game over his last 10 while shooting 62.4% from the field. He’ll be a tough matchup for DeAndre Ayton– if he plays.
While the 76ers are coming off a loss, they can somewhat be excused. The NBA news on Thursday headlined that James Harden didn’t play in the loss to the Golden State Warriors. After a day off, he should be back here.
The Suns are a mess, especially on the defensive side. Those who bet online should note that the Suns have allowed an average 123.0 points per game over their last seven games. Their defense is brutal, which makes this team tough to trust in the sportsbook.
Bad Luck Hitting Phoenix
At the trade deadline, we saw the Suns trade away a significant haul in order to land Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. The deal immediately made the Suns a championship contender, but it didn’t take long for that to change.
The NBA odds have dropped on the Suns as Durant slipped while warming up, and suffered an ankle injury that’s going to hold him out for at least the next few weeks.
They also lost Ayton to a hip injury these past few games. While they do have Devin Booker and Chris Paul to keep them afloat, they got rid of a lot of talent to acquire Durant. That’s talent that they could use right about now.
The Suns are having a tough time making up for the lost points without Durant in the lineup and their defense has suffered quite a bit. Those who bet online know that they need to find some answers quickly.
76ers vs Suns Game Injuries
76ers vs Suns Head-to-Head
These teams have only met up once with the 76ers coming away with the victory.
76ers vs Suns Information
- Game: 76ers (49-23) vs Suns (38-34)
- Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Day/Time: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
- 76ers vs Suns Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
76ers vs Suns Betting Lines
76ers vs Suns Picks & Prediction
There’s no question, this is the 76ers game to lose. They are the better team and the healthier team. With their two stars expected to suit up while the Suns will be without Ayton and Durant.
Booker and Paul could keep this game close, but the Suns defense is absolutely awful right now. Over makes sense for your sports bets here as we should see lots of points but on the side, the 76ers are the play. They’re the better option on the NBA lines.
76ers vs Suns Trends
76ers vs Suns Edge
76ers vs Suns Results
76ers vs Suns Game Summary
Suns vs 76ers Previous Game (Nov 7, 2022)
There are some key pieces out of the puzzle box Monday night. It’s the Phoenix Suns, leading the Western Conference, traveling to the City of Brotherly Love to oppose the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams received some bad injury news over the last week, as the Suns’ starting forward Cameron Johnson needed MCL surgery, while the Sixers’ guard James Harden is out (righ foot strained tendon). Joel Embiid (flu) is expected to play after missing three games.
After the Portland Trail Blazer hit a buzzer-beater to beat the Suns, 108-106, Friday night in the desert, the teams played again-next day, same venue-with the Suns winning by 20. Phoenix is starting a four-game trip with this game. Meanwhile, the 76ers are on a two-game slide, having lost their last game to the New York Knicks, 106-104, despite a solid lead over much of it.
