Philadelphia-76ers vs Washington-wizards Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Philadelphia-76ers vs Washington-Wizards January 8th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the 76ers (-566) will host the Wizards (+414) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The over/under line for this game is 221.5.

Washington is currently on a three-game losing streak and has an overall record of 6-28. The 76ers are favored by 11 points and are 14-20 on the season.

Wizards vs. 76ers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers
• Where: Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center
• Date: Wednesday, January 8th
• Betting Odds PHI -11, WAS +414 | PHI -566 O/U 221.5

The Wizards Can Win If…

The Wizards fell to 6-28 on the season after a 135-112 home loss to the Rockets on Tuesday. Washington entered the game as +13.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 247 points exceeded the O/U line of 222.5 by 24.5 points.

Washington started strong, leading 30-20 after the 1st quarter. However, a 10-0 run by the Rockets early in the 2nd quarter shifted the momentum. Houston outscored the Wizards 37-25 in the 2nd quarter and 40-24 in the 3rd, taking a 97-79 lead into the 4th. The Rockets continued to dominate, outscoring Washington 38-33 in the final period.

Corey Kispert knocked down 5 threes at a 71.4% clip, finishing with a team-high 23 points in the Wizards’ 135-112 loss to the Rockets. Kispert shot 70% from the field, while Jonas Valančiūnas added 18 points on 63.6% shooting.

Jared Butler contributed 12 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter. The Wizards hit 15 threes, shooting 37.5% from deep and 46.1% overall.

The Wizards’ defense started strong, holding the Rockets to 20 points in the 1st quarter, but they struggled afterward, giving up 37 points in the 2nd, 40 in the 3rd, and 38 in the 4th, leading to a 135-112 loss. Washington allowed Houston to shoot 51% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Rockets hit 15 threes at a 39% clip. The Wizards sent Houston to the line 23 times, where they made 20 free throws. Washington managed 6 steals and 4 blocks in the game.

• Across the Wizards last ten road games, the team averaged 108 points per game while allowing 124. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 3-5-2, while going 0-10 straight-up.
• As the betting underdog, the Wizards have an ATS mark of just 4-5-1 in their last ten games. Washington posted a straight up mark of 3-7 in these matchups.
• Over their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The 76ers Can Win If…

The 76ers fell to 14-20 on the season after a 109-99 home loss to the Suns on Monday. Philadelphia, who entered the game as +2 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total score of 208 points fell short of the 222.5-point line.

Philadelphia started strong, going on a 14-0 run to take a 17-3 lead, but the Suns chipped away, winning the 2nd quarter 26-23. Phoenix took control in the 3rd, outscoring the 76ers 36-27, and finished the game by winning the 4th quarter 31-26.

In their 99-point effort against the Suns, the 76ers shot just 39.1% from the field, but connected on 15 threes at a 37.5% clip. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 31 points and 10 assists, hitting 6 threes at 42.9%.

Kelly Oubre added 26 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 50% from the floor. Maxey scored 16 points in the 4th quarter, while Oubre added 13 in the 3rd.

Defensively, the 76ers started strong, giving up just 16 points in the 1st quarter, but they couldn’t maintain that level of play throughout the game. Philadelphia allowed 36 points in the 3rd quarter and 31 in the 4th, leading to a 109-99 loss to the Suns.

The 76ers struggled to contain Phoenix’s shooting, as the Suns hit 50% from the field, including 14 threes at a 45% clip. Philadelphia sent Phoenix to the line 19 times, where they made 13 free throws. The 76ers finished with 34 defensive rebounds, allowing 4 offensive boards, while also recording 6 steals and 4 blocks.

• Across their last five home contests, Philadelphia has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 114 points per game.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, Philadelphia has a poor record vs the spread going 2-3. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 5-0.
• In their last three games, the 76ers have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +11, the Wizards is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 221.5 and our model has the Wizards and 76ers finishing with a combined 233 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Sixers Look to Rebound at Home Against Wizards

The Philadelphia 76ers return to the court Wednesday looking to steady their momentum after a rocky start to 2025. Hosting the struggling Washington Wizards, the Sixers aim to capitalize on home court and climb the Eastern Conference standings, despite a string of injuries to key players.

Philadelphia’s Fight for Consistency

The 76ers kicked off their three-game homestand Monday with a disappointing 109-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Tyrese Maxey shone with 31 points and 10 assists, marking his fourth 30-point double-double since late November. However, the absence of Joel Embiid, who missed his 21st game this season due to a lingering foot injury, left a significant void.

Philadelphia’s season has been a tale of resilience in the face of adversity. Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, has played in only 18 games this season, with his longest stretch being four consecutive games from December 23-30. That run coincided with the Sixers’ most successful streak of the season, showcasing how critical his presence is to the team’s success.

In addition to Embiid, the Sixers are grappling with injuries to Andre Drummond (toe) and Kyle Lowry (hip), both of whom missed Monday’s contest. Veteran Paul George has remained healthy for the past 14 games, but he continues to search for rhythm on offense, averaging just 16.2 points per game.

Tyrese Maxey emphasized the challenges George faces in finding his place within the team dynamic:

“He’s never played with the Sixers, so he’s trying to find his way. I understand where that’s coming from,” Maxey said.

Wizards in the Midst of a Struggle

The Wizards, owners of the NBA’s worst record, enter Wednesday’s game on a three-game losing streak. They’ve dropped five of their last six games, including a 135-112 blowout against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Washington is dealing with its own share of injuries. Leading scorer Jordan Poole has missed four of the last six games with a hip issue, while Malcolm Brogdon and Marvin Bagley III remain sidelined. Bagley’s prolonged knee injury leaves his return uncertain, creating further challenges for a team desperate for stability.

Despite their struggles, the Wizards have had bright spots. Kyle Kuzma delivered a season-high 28 points in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans, while Corey Kispert found his shooting touch against Houston. Kispert came off the bench to hit five of seven three-point attempts, finishing with 23 points.

Kispert’s ability to regain confidence in his long-range shooting offers a glimmer of hope for a Wizards offense that has struggled to find consistent production.

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A Critical Matchup

The Sixers and Wizards have both endured difficult stretches, but Philadelphia appears better poised to leverage its home advantage and talent depth. While the absence of Joel Embiid creates challenges for the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey’s consistent play and the team’s overall defensive strength could be decisive.

For Washington, the keys to success will hinge on contributions from secondary players like Kispert and the leadership of Kuzma. Overcoming Philadelphia’s home crowd and defensive intensity will require a collective effort.

With both teams striving to overcome injuries and setbacks, this matchup could serve as a turning point in their respective seasons. For the 76ers, it’s an opportunity to solidify their footing in the playoff race. For the Wizards, it’s a chance to break out of their funk and find some much-needed momentum.

The Wells Fargo Center promises to host a clash of determination and strategy, as these two Eastern Conference teams look to recalibrate and find a path forward.