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Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies are trying to extend their respective winning streaks when they play each other Saturday night at FedEx Forum. The Sixers are coming into this game off of a dominating 125-108 victory over the undermanned Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Unlike Tuesday night’s game, which went to overtime, the Sixers had most of their players back. Third-year combo guard Shake Milton was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points (11-15 FG, 3-4 3pt) and seven assists in 27 minutes off the bench. Milton was one of six 76ers players that scored at least 10 points.
As for the Grizzlies, they are currently on a three-game winning streak without reigning Rookie of the Year award winner Ja Morant, who is working his way back from an ankle injury. Memphis was scheduled to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night but the game was postponed.
On Wednesday night, the Grizzlies defeated those same Timberwolves 118-107. In that game, Jonas Valanciunas battled with Karl-Anthony Towns in the low post. The veteran center led Memphis with an efficient double-double consisting of 24 points (11-19 FG) and 16 rebounds. The Grizzlies also had five players in double figures, including second-year forward Brandon Clarke, who scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
What can we expect from these two teams on Saturday night? And who should you pick against the spread? To answer those questions and more, here is our pick against the spread and a player prop you need to watch out for. Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Grizzlies +1
The line for Saturday night’s contest set is at a modest 1 point with the Sixers favored, but this game could go either way. The Sixers are relatively healthy but will be without All-star center Joel Embiid, who is out with right knee pain. Along with Embiid, Philly might be without Ben Simmons, who is listed as questionable with left knee swelling.
Simmons was dealing with this same injury on Thursday night, but turned in a tremendous performance against Miami. Simmons produced a triple-double consisting of 10 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. If Simmons cannot play, then that will make Tobias Harris the team’s top scoring option.
At the same time, the Grizzlies may be getting back Morant, who was listed as questionable for Friday night’s before it got postponed. If Morant does play that should give Memphis’ backcourt an extra boost. Also, we could see another solid performance from Valanciunas against Dwight Howard, who has had foul trouble early this season. I’d lean towards the Grizzlies and the points.
Best Sixers prop bet: Ben Simmons O 8.5 rebounds (+110)
If Ben Simmons does end playing on Saturday night, then they need him to help out in the rebounding department. With Embiid out, the Sixers are losing 11.5 rebounds per game, which is less than ideal. This season, 24-year-old Simmons has done a great job of cleaning up the glass.
He is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game, which is over the set amount for his player prop. In 11 games played, the 6-foot-11 point guard has recorded eight rebounds or more, seven times. That is pretty good considering Embiid has only missed two of those games (Dec. 27 at Cleveland, Jan. 9 vs. Denver).
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