basketball | Monday, November 7, 2022 1:28 PM

Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet: Back Suns for Another Win Over Struggling Sixers

Sam Cox

Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet: Monday, November 7th

The 4-6 Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season. On Monday night, they welcome a Phoenix Suns group which has overcome a tumultuous offseason (to say the least) to start the season 7-2 and return to the top of the Western Conference.

The Suns are 1.5-point favourites for this game in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is without James Harden for a prolonged period, while Joel Embiid and Danuel House are questionable through illness.

Cam Johnson is a long-term absentee for the Suns after tearing his meniscus. Ish Wainwright, Duane Washington Jr and Jae Crowder are unavailable. Cam Payne is questionable with a foot problem.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Preview
Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet

Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Preview

Tue, Nov 8. 01:00 (UK time)

Phoenix is third in offence and defence on the young season. Devin Booker has taken on even greater offensive responsibility, and Deandre Ayton’s role has grown. Chris Paul is orchestrator-in-chief still, but his workload has decreased. Johnson’s injury is a blow, yet Phoenix has the pieces to compensate with Damion Lee, Landry Shamet and Torrey Craig all available.

The Sixers’ effort has rightly been questioned this season. Their defence has been lacklustre to put it kindly, and they are dead-last in rebounds. Ayton is going to be a factor on the boards, and especially so if Embiid is unavailable. Philly has lost consecutive games to the Knicks and Wizards – only home advantage has them as close as 1.5-point underdogs for this game.

There is an enormous dependence on Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris if Embiid is out. Harris is shooting the long ball well, but he is overtaxed as a second option in matchups like this. Mikal Bridges has the length and quickness to challenge Maxey. Crucially, the offence is short on playmaking without Harden.

Phoenix has really picked up where it left off last regular season. They don’t turn it over, they move the ball, and they harass opposing teams into errors. Of course, the Suns are also limiting opponent three-point attempts. Getting hot from downtown would be the Sixers’ best chance of winning here should Embiid sit out.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Best Bet

This spread would be a bit harsh on the Suns even if Embiid was 100%. Phoenix has demonstrated it is the far superior of these teams so far. After a stellar offseason, the Sixers have been poor, and they have some questions to answer with Harden out for several weeks.

Philly is 1-4 against the spread at home. Their defence would have to improve considerably to stand a chance here, and the offence still might not have the firepower to keep pace with these Suns.