After a 118-111 win Monday, the 4-4 Philadelphia 76ers will look to sweep a quick home-and-home series with the 3-4 Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Joel Embiid missed the contest due to an illness and his status tonight is currently uncertain. The Sixers enter the night on a three-game win-streak, while Washington has lost their last three.
In Monday’s matchup, Washington stretch big Kristaps Porzingis exploited the Embiid-sized hole in Doc Rivers‘ lineup with 32 points in 34 minutes on 10-of-17 shooting, including three from distance. He converted on all nine of his free throw attempts. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting (2/6 3P, 2/2 FT), while James Harden added 23 points (8/17 FG, 2/6 3P, 5/6 FT) and dished out 17 assists.
Game Info
When: Wednesday, November 2nd at 6 o’clock ET
Where: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philly
Injury Report: (as of 10:30 am ET)
Sixers: Joel Embiid (Questionable–illness), Jaden Springer (Out–assigned to Delaware), Michael Foster Jr. (Out–two-way), and Julian Champagnie (Out–two-way)
Washington: Delon Wright (Out–hamstring strain) and Corey Kispert (Out–ankle sprain)
Game Preview
A lineup decision to track is Washington’s Coach Wes Unseld Jr.‘s recent call to swap Deni Avdija for Anthony Gill. In the transition to his new role, Avdija was mostly ineffective Monday, while Gill was a +7 in the starting five.
The Sixers should be anticipating a competitive game whether or not Embiid is able to suit up. Bradley Beal has scored 28 or more points in each of his last seven games in Philly. With his point total set at 20.5 points, the over at -115 odds is particularly enticing. After a relatively low 18 shots on Monday, Beal can be expected to hoist up more attempts, leading to fewer assists. With his assist total set at 5.5 at +100 odds, this is another intriguing prop to go under. (all odds provided by DraftKings)
Additionally, in their careers, Harden is 14-5 head-to-head against Beal. The bearded lefty has averaged 31.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in those games.
While the sportsbooks are awaiting an update on Embiid’s status, there are no Sixers odds available. However, De’Anthony Melton leads the league in total deflections, so the odds on the over on his steals-plus-blocks prop can be recommended with caution.
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AP Photo/Matt Slocum
