The Philadelphia 76ers have the top record in the Eastern Conference. The Rockets own the NBA’s worst record. In Wednesday’s apparent mismatch, Daryl Morey’s new team visits Houston’s Toyota Center, where he was previously the general manager for 13 seasons.
Led by All-Star center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid, the Sixers enter on a five-game winning streak and with a one-game lead in the race for home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs. The Rockets, on the other hand, lost back-to-back games over the weekend in blowouts.
As usual in an injury plagued 2020-21 season, the Rockets will be quite short-handed. For Wednesday’s game, John Wall (right hamstring), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), David Nwaba (right wrist), and DJ Wilson (health and safety protocols) are all listed as out. Meanwhile, Danuel House Jr. (right ankle) is doubtful, and DJ Augustin (left ankle) is questionable.
While starting center Christian Wood was not listed on the injury report as of Tuesday afternoon, he indicated after Sunday’s loss that his status was in doubt due to lingering right quad and ankle injuries. Head coach Stephen Silas said following Tuesday’s practice that Wood’s status for the matchup with Philadelphia would be decided on gameday.
Rockets injury update per Stephen Silas ahead of Wednesday's game vs. Philly:
D.J. Augustin questionable, Danuel House Jr. doubtful. D.J. Wilson still out in health and safety protocols. Christian Wood might not play, they'll see tomorrow.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) May 4, 2021
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: 76ers -13
- Money line: 76ers -900 / Rockets +575
- Over-under: 223.5
- Player scoring props: Joel Embiid 26.5, Tobias Harris 17.5, Ben Simmons 11.5, Seth Curry 11.5, Danny Green 9.5; Houston TBD
Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.
The Sixers are likely to have their usual starters of Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Danny Green, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid. Houston will counter with Kevin Porter Jr., Avery Bradley, Jae’Sean Tate, and potentially Wood — or perhaps rookie KJ Martin, if Wood is held out.
Advice and prediction
Houston is coming off back-to-back losses, each by more than 25 points, and those were with Wood in the lineup. The Sixers have much more to play for. It would be a surprise if this one is competitive.
Prediction: 76ers 119, Rockets 102
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-related id=48602]
[vertical-gallery id=48435]