Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers return to action against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday in a matchup that pits two of the league’s most dominant big men against each other.
Embiid is coming off a 34-point performance in Philadelphia’s 108-98 win over Charlotte on Friday, his first game back after sitting out with a sinus fracture. Despite wearing a protective mask, Embiid powered through the second half, scoring 24 of his points after the break while dishing out nine assists and adding five rebounds.
However, the Sixers continue to be cautious with their former MVP. Head coach Nick Nurse held Embiid out of Saturday’s game in Cleveland, marking the second time he has been sidelined during a back-to-back set this season.
Here’s a featured Joel Embiid prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook to consider for Monday’s game against the Spurs:
Best Joel Embiid Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
Joel Embiid Under 35.5 PTS + AST (-120)
Embiid’s dominance is undeniable, but his usage and scoring output have been limited as the Sixers carefully manage his minutes. In just seven games this season, Embiid is averaging 22.3 points and 4.6 assists, falling well below the 35.5 combined points and assists mark set for Monday’s game.
While Embiid torched the Spurs for 70 points last season, making it difficult to bet against him having a massive performance, in the games he has played this season, Embiid’s production has been substantially lower than his recent MVP form.
Philadelphia’s deep roster, including Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, has shouldered more of the offensive load, further reducing the need for Embiid to post massive numbers night in and night out. The Sixers may lean on a balanced attack against a San Antonio team that has struggled defensively rather than forcing the offense through Embiid.
Additionally, Wembanyama’s presence in the paint could make things challenging. He has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier shot-blockers, averaging 5.2 blocks over his last five games. Wembanyama’s length and defensive instincts may force Embiid to operate more as a playmaker, limiting his scoring opportunities.
Given how high the expectations are for Embiid relative to his production this season, taking the Under on 35.5 points and assists appears to be a solid play. The team is still building chemistry with George, making it less vital for Embiid to try to dominate the ball.
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