Kicking off Tuesday’s NBA Summer League slate, it’ll be the 76ers taking on the Rockets this afternoon. Philadelphia (2-0) has reeled off two straight wins, while Houston has gone 1-1 over the past week.
The Sixers enter as 4.5-point favorites with -192 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Rockets are +160 underdogs, with the game total set at 180.5 points. Let’s break down today’s East vs. West matchup in Las Vegas.
76ers vs. Rockets preview, prediction
The headliner in this one for the 76ers will be Labaron Philon. The Alabama alum was seen by many pundits as a draft day steal, taken with the 22nd overall pick. Cracking a loaded Philadelphia rotation won’t be easy, but the rookie has already showcased a knack for getting buckets. Despite middling efficiency, Philon is averaging 21.0 points and 6.5 assists over his first two games. He’s been joined by second-year pro Johni Broome. The former Auburn star, who spent much of last season in the G-League, has come out firing. Broome is putting up 21.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in the Summer League.
However, the biggest key to Philly’s Summer League success has come on defense. The team has held both the Pacers and Pistons to 93 points scored, frustrating their opponents in the process. Much of the Sixers’ dominance in that regard can be traced to their work on the glass. Philadelphia has out-rebounded Detroit and Indiana by a combined margin of 87 to 61. As previously mentioned, Broome has played a key role in that regard. In a game against Houston that could turn ugly, shutting down the paint could prove crucial.
It’s early, but Bruce Thornton has already cemented himself as the de facto leader of Houston’s Summer League squad. Despite his status as a second round pick, the Rockets traded up to the 31st overall selection to grab the Ohio State alum. After dominating the Big Ten as a senior, he appears more NBA-ready than most rookies. The 22-year-old has put up 17 and 27 points respectively during the club’s first two matchups (22.0 PPG). To boot, he’s chipped in with eight total steals on the other end of the floor (4.0 STL). Much like Philon, Thornton hasn’t been the most efficient on offense. Regardless, a Rockets club that struggled to get buckets last season should view his production as a welcome development.
It’s early in the Summer League slate, but the Rockets look like they have some depth. Other than Thornton, the team is fortunate to roster guards Quadir Copeland, Tristen Newton and Daishen Nix. The latter two have NBA experience as well, an underrated factor when facing teams filled with unproven rookies. Houston has had a knack for forcing turnovers, already earning 29 total steals. However, making an impact on the glass has proven to be far more difficult. Center Michael Foster Jr. is undersized at 6’8″, and there aren’t many quality big men to help out. As a unit, the Rockets have snagged just 64 total rebounds.
76ers vs. Rockets pick, best bet
The guards will generate most of the attention this evening, and for good reason. Philon and Thornton are the kind of offensive talents that could take over Tuesday’s matchup. However, few names have more to play for tonight than Broome. Despite occasional flashes of greatness, the big man struggled to make a major impact with the Sixers last season. Given his fast start to the Summer League, and Houston’s lack of size, this is an ideal spot for Philadelphia’s second-year pro. A well-rounded 76ers defense should support Broome and Philon in this one.
