One team is where it wants to be. The other is hoping to improve before they’re lost in the mix. We’ll see how it plays out when the Phoenix Suns — currently sitting atop the top of the Western Conference standings — travel to play the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The Sixers have been disappointing early, prompting rumors that head coach Doc Rivers could soon be gone if their outlook doesn’t improve.
It seemed they were turning around during a three-game winning streak against:
- Toronto
- Chicago
- Washington
But the team is now on a two-game skid. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at this cross-conference tilt.
Last Game Records
Suns Last Game Records
After losing by a buzzer-beating bucket to Portland on Friday, the Suns (7-2) got their revenge by downing the Trailblazers, 102-82, Saturday.
Phoenix was up by 21 points going into the halftime break and didn’t have to worry about too much in the second half.
We must let you know that the Portland Trail Blazers were missing their starting backcourt duo, with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons missing the game.
Both of the Suns’ two losses have come to Portland. Luckily for Phoenix, the two crews are already through their three-game head-to-head season series.
NBA player stats saw all 12 players on the Suns’ squad post at least two points in the victory. It was the final leg of a six-game home stand for the team, which went 5-1 over that stretch.
Sixers Last Game Records
Frustratingly, the Sixers (4-6) fumbled away a 12-point lead in losing to the New York Knicks, 106-104, Friday night.
Tyrese Maxey led Philly with 31 points but didn’t connect on a three-pointer that would’ve given his side the lead with 29 seconds remaining.
The Sixers were without their two biggest stars, guard James Harden and center Joel Embiid.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Analysis
Philadelphia 76ers
Harden, who’s leading the team in scoring, is on the bench for a month with a right foot strain, while Embiid has missed three in a row with a non-COVID-related illness.
That doesn’t figure to help the 76ers standings.
Phoenix Suns
This will be their second game without starting forward Cam Johnson, a fourth-year man who was settling into a new role after being a finalist for the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award a year ago.
He hurt his right knee Friday and could miss a good chunk of time.
NBA Injury Update
Let’s check out the injury report before we make any decisions on a wager in our Suns vs 76ers betting analysis. You don’t want to put money on anything on the NBA schedule without being aware of who will and won’t be playing.
For Philly, Embiid is questionable to return for this one. Forward Danuel House Jr. is also dealing with an illness and is also listed as questionable.
Due to personal reasons, the Suns’ Duane Washington Jr. and Ish Wainwright are out for this contest. Guard Cameron Payne is questionable with a foot ailment.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
Just like NBA team stats, the line on the game is important to know when making our Suns vs 76ers betting analysis.
In taking a close look at the odds for today’s NBA matchups, you’ll see that this game and its odds figure to be closer than you’d think.
Phoenix is -2.5 on the point spread at -106, while the Sixers are listed at -114 to cover.
On the money line, the Suns are -134, and Philly is a +114 underdog. The total is set at 214 points, with both the over and under at -110.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
As it stands, the Sixers are being forced to adjust much more than Phoenix.
Having your two most important talents on the bench throws a massive wrench into things and will make it even more difficult for the 76ers to right the ship.
The lines for the Suns vs 76ers betting analysis are favorable for Phoenix. We would trust Chris Paul and Devin Booker to cover a close spread.
If you want to make money betting on the NBA, the Suns’ picks are your best choice for this matchup.
NBA Pick: Suns -2.5 (-110)
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