An NBA Game Day Preview between the Philadelphia 76ers Vs Phoenix Suns– StatementGames alternative Fantasy Basketball, play for FREE and WIN CASH Rewards.
When: 3:00 EST, February 13, 2021
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
TV: NBA TV
Point Spread: Philadelphia +1
OVER/UNDER Game Total: 222.5
Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 18-8
Road Record: 7-6
ATS: 14-11-1
Phoenix Suns
Record: 15-9
Home Record: 8-4
ATS: 15-9
Philadelphia 76ers Vs Phoenix Suns Game Day Preview
The Phoenix Suns will play host to the Philadelphia 76ers as the Sixers will start the back-end of their 4 game west coast road trip. The Sixers will be looking to get back on track after a tough loss to Portland on Thursday. Meanwhile, The Suns came out on top against the Bucks on Wednesday.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid will look to continue his MVP campaign with another big performance against the Suns. JoJo has been averaging 29.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Embiid’s Sixers are coming off a loss in Portland, where they were in control all game. But, Carmelo Anthony came alive late and the Blazers blew by the Sixers 118-114. The Sixers last lost two games in a row in January, where they in fact ended up losing a third game in a row. So, this would be unchartered territory for the Sixers if they were to lose today.
Sixers fans have been split on the issue of Ben Simmons’s play style. Many want him to shoot the ball, and if he does not, then they want him traded. But, there are others who realize his worth to this team. Simmons is an elite defender, putting him near the top of the DPOY rankings for sure. He also can make a pass that not many point guards can make. Yet, this goes unnoticed at times. But, Doc Rivers summed up his thoughts on Ben Simmons lack of jump shot:
“I don’t care about Ben’s shooting as much as other people seem to care about it. I care that he’s a great player and I’m going to let him play. I’m going to give him the keys and let him be free and play. If he takes no shots, I’m fine. Takes 10 3s, I’m fine. If he gets to the line 15 times, I’m fine. Ben is brilliant enough for me to allow to play and not get in his way and try and cloud his head up with a bunch of crap. It’s about winning and that’s what I want Ben to focus on. How to make each other better and win.”
Today, Ben will go up against a smaller Chris Paul, so Sixers fans will look to him to dominate his matchup and use his body in the paint to ring up some points for this Sixers team.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix has had a splendid start to their season. While both the Suns and Sixers had covid issues, the Suns had it worse than the Sixers, missing 3 straight games due to postponements. As of late, they have won 4 in a row. They look to extend their good fortunes at home with a win this afternoon against Philly.
Devin Booker and Chris Paul have been lighting it up this year. Coming into this year with much anticipation, they have certainly lived up to the expectations and then some. On the season, Booker has averaged 23 points per game. Also, Paul has averaged 16 points and 8 assists a game. So, it is safe to say they have been a two man wrecking crew this year.
But, they will run into another two-headed monster today in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Will they be up to the task? Well, only time will tell.
Sixers Vs Suns Facts
- Phoenix is 4-0 as a home underdog this season.
- Phoenix is 1-2 after 2-3 days off this season.
- Sixers are 3-4 in non-conference games this year.
Philadelphia 76ers Vs Phoenix Suns Alternative Fantasy Basketball-Statement Games Picks
76ers 114 Suns 108
10 Pt Pick: Joel Embiid OVER 30.5 Points
9 Pt Pick: Deandre Ayton OVER 14.5 Points
8 Pt Pick: Philadelphia 76ers UNDER 113.5 Points
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