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The NBA regular season continues with games on Monday. The Philadelphia 76ers will hit the road and face off against the Houston Rockets. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Rockets prediction and pick.
These two teams have had somewhat different starts to the season. The Philadelphia 76ers are 22-16 and have actually managed to win their last six games. While the Houston Rockets are only 11-30 and have lost their last two games. This should be an interesting match between two teams trending in opposite directions.
Here are the 76ers-Rockets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: 76ers-Rockets Odds
Philadelphia 76ers: -10.5 (-114)
Houston Rockets: +10.5 (-106)
Over: 226 (-110)
Under: 226 (-110)
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Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a very solid first half of the NBA season. Through their first 38 games they have managed to win 22 and lose 16. Just six games ago they had a dead even record with 16 wins and 16 losses, but have since gone on a tear. The Sixers have won their last six games, with their most recent victory coming over the San Antonio Spurs by 19. While Philly has faced some lighter competition recently, the Rockets aren't exactly the Warriors. Philadelphia should have no problem taking care of business on the road against Houston.
In their win over the Spurs, the Sixers were dominant across all metrics. The most impressive thing about that victory from Philly was their efficiency. Philadelphia went 45 for 87 from the field, and 21 for 27 from the free throw line. They took and made high quality shots, and were able to keep San Antonio at bay in spite of shooting 5 less shots than the Spurs. Additionally, the Sixers out rebounded the Spurs by 10 and had more assists than them. Philly's last game was an all around impressive performance. If the Sixers can keep on rolling then the Rockets shouldn't be too much trouble.
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The only things that could hold back this Sixers team are COVID and injuries. Philadelphia currently has five players on the injury report, three of which are due to COVID. Headlining the unavailable players are Tyrese Maxey and Shake Milton. While these players may not be the stars in the Philadelphia, they are solid contributors that impact games. However, even with their absence, the Sixers should be able to dominate on Monday. They have been looking good lately and will try to extend their win streak to seven.
Why The Rockets Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Rockets have had a very tough first half of the season. Through their first 41 games they have only managed to win 11 and have lost 30. Houston is coming off back to back losses, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves by 18. The Rockets have struggled to compete and will be looking to turn things around on Monday. The Sixers are a tough team, and a win against Philadelphia could be the first step for this Rockets team to turn things around. However, if Houston wants to win they will need to do better than they did in their last game.
In the Rockets loss to the Wolves, Houston came up short across the board. The Timberwolves were an offensive force in that game going 55 for 108 from the field. The Rockets just couldn't keep pace, shooting 97 shots and making 46. Houston was just dominated by Minnesota and will need to make some changes on Monday. The Sixers are the type of team that can bully the Rockets, and Houston will need to battle by shooting. If the Rockets can create an offensive onslaught similar to Minnesota, then they could compete on Monday. Houston will need to lean heavily on their offense and put up a lot of shots.
Both injuries and COVID have certainly impacted this rockets team. Houston currently has five players listed on their injury report. However, lucky for Houston, all of their starters will be available for Monday's game. The Rockets will have their best lineup on the floor and should be able to give the Sixers a tough time. While Philly has been on a tear lately, the Rockets starters have the potential to pull off the upset. If Houston's starters step up, then they could bring the Sixers freight train to a screeching halt.
Final 76ers-Rockets Prediction & Pick
This is a pretty easy decision. While the Rockets are a better team than their record suggests, the Sixers have been on an absolute tear lately. Betting against Philadelphia has been a losing move lately and it is a mistake. The Sixers actually played the Rockets four games ago and beat them by 20. There is little reason to think this game will go differently. Pick the Sixers to win and cover and get ready for Philadelphia to keep on rolling.
FINAL 76ERS-ROCKETS PICK: Philadelphia 76ers -10.5 (-114)
FINAL 76ERS-ROCKETS SCORE PREDICTION: 76ers 127 – Rockets 110
