The 76ers are hosting the Rockets on Thursday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Houston is favored by 2.5 points and this game carries a total of 221.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick for the game.
76ers vs. Rockets preview, prediction
After a strong stretch around the new year, the 76ers have hit a rough patch, losing four of their last six. However, the team still sits at 23-19 and ranks 13th in net rating this season, and Joel Embiid (knee) is probable to be back in the lineup tonight. The former MVP is averaging 24.2 PPG and he ranks second for Philadelphia in plus/minus. The only player Embiid ranks behind in that category is Paul George (knee), who is questionable. While these two lead the 76ers in plus/minus, the team is still just 7-8 with both of Embiid and George active this season.
Tyrese Maxey has been Philadelphia’s centerpiece with Embiid and George constantly in-and-out of the lineup, with Maxey averaging a career-high 30 PPG. The guard has been outstanding and he was just named an All-Star starter for the Eastern Conference. Still, the 76ers are an inconsistent group, and they oddly have struggled at home this season with an 11-12 record. Even if George suits up tonight, this is likely to be a challenging matchup with the Rockets coming to town.
Houston is 26-15 and ranks fourth in net rating. Leading the way for the Rockets is Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, who have been one of the top duos in the league this season. Durant is averaging 25.9 PPG on 51.1% shooting and Sengun is averaging 21.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game on 51.1% shooting. Seeing Sengun and Embiid go head-to-head should be a treat for basketball fans, and if Sengun can avoid getting in foul trouble, Houston will have a great chance to win this game.
The Rockets have only lost one game in their last five entering tonight, which came at the hands of the defending champion Thunder, but this was a five-game home stand for Houston. The Rockets will be on the road tonight in Philadelphia, and competing away from Houston has been this team’s Achilles heel with an 11-12 record — albeit with Sengun inactive for two of these games. Overall, the Rockets have lost four straight on the road. Their last last road victory came vs. the 12-30 Nets on New Year’s Day.
76ers vs. Rockets pick, best bet
With the 76ers being a subpar home team and the Rockets being a subpar road team, something has to give tonight. To me, the Rockets are just the better team, and while this game should be a nail-biter, Houston should prevail. At a decent -135 price, backing the Rockets to win this game on the moneyline is the play for this game.
As a home underdog this season, Philadelphia is just 2-6.
