Philadelphia-76ers vs San Antonio Spurs December 23rd 2024
At 7:00 ET, the 76ers (-212) will host the Spurs (+176) in a non-conference matchup. The over/under line for this game is 217.5.
San Antonio is currently 9th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Southwest Division. They come into this game on a two-game win streak. Philadelphia is 12th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Atlantic Division.
Spurs vs. 76ers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers
- Where: Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center
- Date: Monday, December 23rd
- Betting Odds PHI -5, SA +176 | PHI -212 O/U 217.5
The Spurs Can Win If…
The Spurs improved to 15-13 on the season with a 114-94 win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday. San Antonio, favored by 6.5 points, covered the spread with the 20-point victory at home. The total points for the game came in at 208, well below the pre-game line of 225.5.
San Antonio took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Portland 35-24. They led 87-69 going into the 4th quarter and matched the Blazers 27-25 in the final period to seal the win.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to a win over the Trail Blazers, scoring 30 points and hitting 4 threes at 50% efficiency. He also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 50% from the field overall. Charles Bassey contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 77.8% from the floor.
As a team, the Spurs shot 47.3% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 27.8% with 10 made threes. Wembanyama scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter, while Bassey and Keldon Johnson added 8 and 7 points respectively in the 4th.
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The Spurs’ defense was on point Saturday, holding the Trail Blazers to 94 points in a 114-94 win. San Antonio gave up 20 points in the 1st quarter and allowed 25 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.
San Antonio limited Portland to 39% shooting, including 27% from beyond the arc, where the Trail Blazers made 12 threes. The Spurs sent Portland to the line just 9 times, where they hit 6 free throws. Defensively, the Spurs added 7 steals and 13 blocks.
- In their last three games away from home, the Spurs have a straight up record of 2-1 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 112 points per game in these contests.
- Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, San Antonio has an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 0-3 straight up.
- Over their last five games, the Spurs have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The 76ers Can Win If…
The 76ers fell to 9-17 on the season after a 126-99 road loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday. Philadelphia entered the game as +9 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 225 points went over the pre-game line of 221.5.
After a 30-30 tie in the 1st quarter, the Cavaliers pulled away by outscoring the 76ers 36-25 in the 2nd and 33-21 in the 3rd. Cleveland extended their lead with a 10-0 run, taking the score from 107-82 to 117-82, before closing out the game by winning the 4th quarter 27-23.
In Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, the 76ers managed just 99 points, shooting 40% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 27 points, hitting 5 threes at a 50% clip, and adding 13 points in the 3rd quarter.
Paul George and Ricky Council each contributed 11 points, with George shooting 33.3% and Council 28.6%. The team made 11 threes overall, with Maxey accounting for nearly half of them.
Defensively, the 76ers struggled against the Cavaliers, giving up 126 points in the loss. Philadelphia allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter, 36 in the 2nd, and 33 in the 3rd, before holding Cleveland to 27 points in the 4th.
The Cavaliers shot 53% from the field, including 51% from three-point range, where they made 22 threes. The 76ers sent Cleveland to the line 15 times, where they made 8 free throws. Philadelphia finished with 30 defensive rebounds, while allowing 13 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 3 blocks.
- Across their last five home contests, Philadelphia has been good against the spread posting a mark of 4-1. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 109 points per game.
- The 76ers have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
- In their last three games, the 76ers have an over/under record of 0-2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The Lean
The Spurs come in as the underdog at +5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 217.5, and our model projects the Spurs and 76ers to reach a combined total of 297 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
Embiid Set to Face Wembanyama as 76ers Host Surging Spurs
NBA fans are in for a treat Monday night as Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers take on rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a highly anticipated matchup in Philadelphia.
Embiid Expected to Play
Despite missing Saturday’s game against Cleveland due to a broken sinus cavity, Embiid is expected to return to the lineup for Monday’s game. His presence will be crucial for the 76ers, who are looking to rebound after a 126-99 loss to the Cavaliers. Embiid’s absence on Saturday was notable as the team struggled, with Tyrese Maxey leading the effort with 27 points.
Paul George, who has been gradually adjusting to playing alongside Embiid, scored 11 points in Cleveland and emphasized the importance of moving forward quickly. “(The loss to Cleveland) was a tough one, but move on from it and get ready for San Antonio,” George said.
Wembanyama’s Dominance
The Spurs enter the game on a high note, winning four of their last five games, including a commanding 114-94 victory over Portland on Saturday. Wembanyama continues to showcase his unique talent, recording 30 points and 10 blocks in that game, becoming just the sixth player since 2008 to achieve such a feat.
Acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s improved patience and ability to navigate contact. “He’s done a good job of just facing up and seeing when he has that one-on-one or space,” Johnson said. “He gets to that rim and it’s hard to not have more than incidental contact.”
The Spurs are also benefiting from increased lineup stability, with their projected starters playing together for only the second time this season in Saturday’s win.
Key Matchup: Embiid vs. Wembanyama
This game will mark the first time Embiid and Wembanyama face off this season. In their last meeting on Jan. 22 of last year, Embiid erupted for a career-high 70 points against the Spurs. Wembanyama, now more established, will look to make his mark in this marquee showdown.
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Momentum for Both Teams
- The 76ers have won six of their nine games since Nov. 30, showing progress as Embiid and George build chemistry.
- The Spurs have leaned on defensive efforts, holding opponents under 100 points in all four of their wins during this recent stretch.
Looking Ahead
Monday’s game is the first of a four-game road trip for the Spurs, who will play 11 of their next 15 games away from home. For the 76ers, this matchup presents an opportunity to maintain momentum at home and integrate Embiid back into the lineup as they push for a stronger December finish.
With Wembanyama’s rising star and Embiid’s dominance, this clash promises plenty of excitement and intrigue for fans of both teams.