The Philadelphia 76ers (8-55) are currently on a 12-game losing streak and will compete against the Houston Rockets (31-32) at the Wells Fargo Center. The game begins at 7:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 9 and can be seen on RSW and CSP.
The 76ers lost to the Heat 103-98 on Sunday. Ish Smith was the team’s leading scorer, putting up 21 points. The Rockets, meanwhile, are coming off a 113-107 win over the Raptors on Sunday. James Harden had a good game and claimed his 17th double-double of the season, posting 40 points and 14 assists.
Over the last five games, Smith has taken his game to another level for the 76ers. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.8 three-pointers.
It could be an error-filled game for the 76ers offense, which ranks 30th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 16.6%). It’ll be facing the gambling defense of Houston, which forces the second-most turnovers in the NBA (15.9%). Also, the offense of the Rockets seems ready to earn plenty of trips to the line. They rank first in the NBA in free throw attempt rate (36.7), while the 76ers are among the league’s most foul-happy teams (allowing a 26th-ranked mark of 31.4).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first matchup 116-114. Harden was the game’s top overall scorer with 50 points.
The 76ers come into this game 8-55 Straight Up (SU) and 28-34-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They have gone 8-55 SU and 28-34-1 ATS against teams from the Western Conference. Philadelphia has been on fire lately, averaging 109.0 points per game, well over their season average of 96.5. As for the Philadelphia defense, opponents have consistently had their shots rejected by the 76ers, who rank second in the league in blocks per game with 6.4.
Across the court, the Rockets head into the game with records of 26-36-1 ATS and 31-32 SU. Houston has not performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 3-7 record. They sport the fifth-ranked scoring offense in the league, averaging 105.6 points per game. Houston is one of the top foul-shooting teams in the league, converting 21.0 shots from the line per game. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Rockets on the defensive end. They allowed 116.8 points per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 106.9. When it comes to stealing the ball, the Rockets are the best in the league with an average of 10.2 steals per game. Houston is the fourth-best team in the league at scoring points off turnovers with 18.9 per game.
With the Rockets’ last win against Philadelphia, their SU record is now 6-4 over the 76ers in the last 10 meetings. On the other hand, with a 7-3 record, the 76ers have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou
Notes
“Philadelphia is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games “.
“Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games “.
“Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home”.
“Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games at home”.
“Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston”.
“Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games when playing Houston”.
“Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston”.
Houston is one of the top scoring teams, averaging 105.6 points per game (ranked fifth). Philadelphia, on the other hand, allows 107.2 points per game (ranked 28th).
Houston averages 107.0 points per road game, placing the team third-best in the NBA. Philadelphia, on the other hand, gives up 107.6 points per home game (ranked 29th).
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Houston Rockets are a dazzling 12-3. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Philadelphia 76ers have an underachieving record of 1-38.
When Houston allows at least 100 points, it has a subpar 19-29 record this season. Philadelphia also has a losing record when it puts up triple digits (7-17).
The 76ers have a defensive rating of 107.0 (ranked 26th), while the Rockets rank eighth for their offensive rating of 104.9.
The Houston Rockets average a field goal percentage of 44.5% this season. The Philadelphia 76ers have an abysmal record of 4-34 when opponents have a FG% of 44.5% or greater.
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets both rank higher in average effective field goal percentage when compared to their field goal percentages. Philadelphia is 28th and 24th in the league for FG% and EFF% respectively, while Houston is 20th and seventh in these categories.
Philadelphia makes an average of 20.8 assists per game (ranked 22nd). Houston ranks higher in assists with 21.7 (ranked 18th).
Philadelphia ranks near the top of the league in blocking at second (6.4 blocks per game). Houston is ranked 14th, with 5.0 blocks per game.
The Philadelphia 76ers rank 24th in offensive rebounding, while the Houston Rockets rank 28th in defensive rebounding.
Philadelphia ranks ninth in steals per game with 8.4. When Houston gives up 8 or more steals, the team has an even 22-22 record.
