Having matched its longest losing streak of the season at three games after being routed in Portland on Monday, Philadelphia has hit rock bottom. The fight the 76ers displayed over the weekend in losing in short-handed fashion in Denver disappeared to open the second half against the Trail Blazers, who jumped on the opportunity to notch an upset.
The Warriors (19-24 SU, 20-22-1 ATS) would love such an opportunity, although they’re favored here in spite of their current run that has seen them drop six of eight. The uncertainty regarding the availability of Philly center Joel Embiid and point guard Tyrese Maxey, combined with the Sixers playing their third game in four nights and second of a back-to-back, have the home team as ‘chalk.’
That would obviously change if Embiid and Maxey are deemed to be good to go to suit up for the 76ers (29-16, 29-16), but definitive word on that wouldn’t come until closer to tip-off. Embiid wasn’t even on the injury report Saturday before being ruled out less than 20 minutes prior to tip-off against the Nuggets, preventing a rematch between the NBA’s top two centers and MVP candidates.
Embiid was then ruled out of Monday’s game against the Trail Blazers with far less drama, succumbing to a sore knee that may just mean he wasn’t going to play on consecutive nights and will look to return to action in San Francisco. The same can be said for Maxey, who is dealing with an ankle sprain he’s likely to return from after missing multiple contests.
76ers vs. Warriors odds: Point spread, moneyline, total
Here are the latest NBA betting odds for Philadelphia vs. Golden State:
76ers betting news: Embiid getting dangerously close to missing award threshold
Embiid opened last week as the MVP favorite, but has since been demoted after missing a couple of games since the likelihood of him not playing in 65 games continues to increase. As part of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, a stipulation was put in that mandates players must participate in at least 65 contests to qualify for awards and All-NBA teams.
Obviously, Embiid’s health and having him ready for the playoffs takes precedence, but it’s still a shame that his body is betraying him and foiling what to date has been a season for the ages.
While Maxey’s ankle sprain is no big deal, his absence has been compounded by backcourt mate DeAnthony Melton also being sidelined due to a back issue. Patrick Beverley and Kelly Oubre, Jr. have been attempting to hold the fort down for Philadelphia, but they could use Maxey’s return here to avoid having to chase Curry and Thompson through screens on weary legs.
Paul Reed has done a nice job in Embiid’s place, scoring 30 points and adding 13 rebounds in Denver before an 11-point, six-rebound game in Portland, but the 76ers badly miss their big dog. It also hasn’t helped that Tobias Harris has been riddled with the flu. He returned against the Trail Blazers but didn’t have much bounce or energy, finishing with just nine points on 3-for-9 shooting.
The 76ers will close out their West Coast swing in Utah on Thursday and are hoping to avoid their first four-game skid since Nov. 2021, when they dropped five straight while Embiid sat and Andre Drummond filled in.
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Warriors betting news: Golden State slipping down West standings
Golden State is bringing up the rear in the Pacific Division, ranks 12th in the Western Conference and is 2.5 games back of Utah for the final play-in spot, trailing by five in the win column. Despite terrific efforts on the offensive end over the past two games, the Warriors fell short against both the Kings and Lakers, losing to the latter on Saturday in double overtime. Team defense has left much to be desired, so the last thing the Dubs want to deal with is a suddenly healthy Embiid.
One bright spot of late has been the play of Jonathan Kuminga, who has averaged over 25 points per game over the last five, starting and finding himself in Steve Kerr’s lineup to close games out. Although his defensive game still needs work, it’s clear things have slowed down for him enough to dominate with his elite athleticism, and he’s made 50 of his 82 field goal attempts in that span, shooting 7-for-15 from 3-point range.
Draymond Green also looks like himself after shedding the rust following his latest suspension and had dished out 11 assists in each of his last two games. He’s helped free up Curry, who is averaging 39.5 points per game in the last two losses and has hit 20 of his last 43 3-point attempts.
Although the results have been disappointing, Golden State has to be encouraged by Andrew Wiggins starting to come around and Klay Thompson also shooting confidently, so this is a crucial game for them as they look to make a run before the All-Star break.
This will be the team’s final contest at the Chase Center until Feb. 10, as they’ll hit the road for an East coast swing that sees them face these Sixers at their house on Feb. 7. The trip features a pair of back-to-backs, so nothing going forward will come easy.
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76ers vs. Warriors player prop picks
Due to the uncertainty regarding the 76ers, the only props available at BetMGM involve the Warriors, so we’ll work with those to try and pick out some winners. Kuminga’s points total of () should get a nod to the OVER, as he’s simply playing too well to fade and he could have free reign in the paint if Embiid sits again. Kuminga has looked like he’s riding a pogo stick lately, taking advantage of the attention his team’s shooters command in order to score easily on back cuts and lobs.
Green’s assist total has been set at , and although that’s a big number and a little heavy on the juice, he’s setting teammates up expertly and watching them execute, not to mention staying out of foul trouble to ensure he’s out there to contribute.
76ers vs. Warriors ATS pick
The expectation here is that Maxey will return while Embiid will sit out at least one more night to make sure he’s right, which would obviously aid Golden State’s cause. They simply have no answer for Philadelphia’s All-Star center on their roster, but won’t overlook the Sixers if he sits since they’re desperate for a victory.
Embiid playing would be a game-changer, and Maxey’s fresh legs should supply a welcome boost, but for the rest of the guys, they’re on the road having carried a heavier burden than usual over the past few games. Harris wasn’t the only player who fell ill, so a collective sense of ick has compromised this group over the final few games of January. A loss means they’ll finish 2024’s first month with a 7-7 record, and I think they’re headed that way unless their star 7-footer suits up.
Pick: Warriors
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