The Philadelphia 76ers (16-19) and the Phoenix Suns (14-23), who both like to play up-tempo, will clash at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Arizona at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 221 points with Philadelphia set as a 2.5-point favorite.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
The last time the 76ers played, they topped the Denver Nuggets, 107-102. Philadelphia held the Nuggets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.443 (below their season average of 0.528). Denver, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (25-34; 73.5 percent). Philadelphia was led by Dario Saric, who was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Suns beat the Sacramento Kings in their last game, 111-101. Phoenix’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Suns had 16 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds, while the Kings had eight and 37, respectively. With 26 points and 10 rebounds, T.J. Warren put together a good game for Phoenix.
There could be a fair amount of transition action in this showdown that showcases two of the NBA’s more fast-breaking teams. Phoenix ranks third in possessions per game (102.5) and Philadelphia is second (103.6). Additionally, the third-ranked defense of the 76ers (opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 0.497) will go head-to-head against the 29th-ranked offense of the Suns (effective field goal percentage of 0.494).
Philadelphia comes into the game with records of 16-19 straight up (SU) and 17-17 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the 76ers’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 14-23 SU and 19-17-1 ATS. Coinciding with Philadelphia, just over half of Suns games have finished over the total.
Warren has averaged 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Phoenix.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Devin Booker scored a game-high 46 points and the Suns, who were 10-point underdogs, defeated the 76ers 115-101. He also put up eight rebounds. The game finished with a total of 216 points, which was 11 points below the projected point total of 227 points. The Suns had a better turnover percentage (9.8 vs. 12.5) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.538 vs. 0.467).
Philadelphia 76ers at Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Philadelphia is 9-9 ATS with 11 overs and 7 unders.
At home, Phoenix is 8-11 ATS with 9 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
Phoenix is 5-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Philadelphia is 5-0.
The 76ers are 15-12 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 10-14.
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (47.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.3).
The 76ers rank third in assists per game (26.3) while the Suns rank 28th (20.5).
Philadelphia ranks seventh in points in the paint per game (47.0) while Phoenix ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.7).
The 76ers rank ninth in steals per game (8.3) while the Suns rank 29th (6.5).
Philadelphia averages 14.1 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.0).
The Suns rank 10th in blocks per game (4.9) while the 76ers rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (5.9).
Philadelphia ranks 10th in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while Phoenix ranks 26th (13.7).
The 76ers average 16.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 18th in the league. The Suns rank 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
Philadelphia averages 30.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Phoenix ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (27.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 101.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.2 points per game (8.9 below their season average).
