The Philadelphia 76ers welcome former Nova Wildcat Saddiq Bey and the Detroit Pistons to town for the final game of the NBA regular season. When they last met — just two weeks ago — the Pistons powered through and upset the Sixers by a score of 102-94. With that in mind, the Sixers will have revenge on their minds as they look to end the season on the right note.
It’s not just a matter of revenge for Philadelphia, though, as the team still has a chance to improve their seeding position for the playoffs. Currently the fourth in the East, the Philadelphia 76ers would face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs if they started today. However, with a win against the Pistons and a loss by the Boston Celtics tonight, the Sixers would clinch the third seed and would face the Chicago Bulls — considered by many to be a more favorable matchup.
There’s no shortage of reasons why today’s matchup could prove crucial for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is still on the hunt for the NBA’s MVP award, and while he is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup, there’s a sizable chance he suits up to further solidify his claim as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Injury Report
Sixers:
- Joel Embiid – Questionable (knee)
- James Harden – Questionable (Hamstring)
- Georges Niang – Out (knee)
- Charles Bassey – Out (on assignment)
Pistons:
- Cade Cunningham – Questionable (hip)
- Jerami Grant – Out (calf)
- Marvin Bagley III – Out (hip)
- Hamidou Diallo – Out (finger)
- Corey Joseph – Out (back)
Both stars for the Sixers are listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but there’s a good chance they both play tonight. Embiid will likely play, as stated earlier, because of his ongoing campaign to secure the Most Valuable Player award. Harden — though listed on the injury report — is supposedly healthy after a lengthy battle with an injured hamstring — at least according to Doc Rivers.
The Pistons meanwhile boast some notable names on their injury report. Jerami Grant and Hamidou Diallo were already ruled out for the season but the potential loss of Cade Cunningham would be especially difficult considering his level of play as of late — averaging 21.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 5,7 rebounds since the All-Star break.
76ers/Pistons Betting Lines
Per Draft Kings, the Philadelphia 76ers are the favorite to win tonight’s matchup.
- Spread: Philadephia -9.5
- 76ers Moneyline: -575
- Pistons Moneyline: +410
- O/U: 227
