Golden State Warriors vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Golden State Warriors vs Philadelphia-76ers January 2nd 2025

At 10:00 ET, the Philadelphia 76ers (+125) will travel to take on the Golden State Warriors (-148) in a non-conference matchup. The over/under line for this game is currently sitting at 217.

Golden State (-2.5) is 16-16 and 10th in the Western Conference, while Philadelphia (13-18) is 11th in the East and 3rd in the Atlantic Division.

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76ers vs. Warriors Key Information

The 76ers fell to 13-18 on the season after a 113-107 road loss to the Kings on Wednesday. Entering the game as +6.5 point underdogs, Philadelphia kept it close, losing by just six. The total score of 220 points narrowly missed the O/U line of 220.5.

Philadelphia led 89-80 going into the 4th quarter, but Sacramento’s 33-point final period, including a 10-0 run, flipped the game. The Kings took control after going on a run that moved the score from 54-47 to 57-54 earlier in the game.

Paul George led the way for the 76ers with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in their loss to the Kings, shooting 55% from the field and hitting 4 threes at a 57.1% clip. Tyrese Maxey added 27 points, though he struggled from deep, making just 30% of his threes.

Philadelphia connected on 15 threes, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc, and finished with a 47.6% overall shooting percentage. George scored 14 points in the 1st quarter and another 10 in the 3rd, while Maxey added 12 points in the 3rd and 9 more in the 4th.

Defensively, the 76ers had strong 1st and 3rd quarters but struggled in the 2nd and 4th, giving up 32 and 33 points, respectively, in their 113-107 loss to the Kings. Philadelphia allowed Sacramento to shoot 48% from the field.

However, the 76ers did well in limiting the Kings’ three-point shooting, holding them to just 9 made threes on 29% shooting. Philadelphia also recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Golden State fell to 16-16 on the season after a 113-95 home loss to the Cavaliers on Monday. The Warriors entered the game as +4 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 208, falling short of the 231-point O/U line.

After a tight 1st quarter, the Cavaliers took control with a 12-0 run, turning a 49-41 deficit into a 53-49 lead. Golden State struggled in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 11 points, and were outscored 37-27 in the 3rd. The teams played to a 30-30 draw in the 4th quarter, but the Warriors couldn’t overcome the 83-65 deficit they faced heading into the final period.

The Warriors struggled offensively in their 113-95 loss to the Cavaliers, shooting just 33.3% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc, making only 9 threes. Moses Moody led the way with 19 points, hitting 3 threes at a 75% clip and shooting 87.5% overall.

Jonathan Kuminga added 18 points and 10 rebounds, though he shot just 26.7%. Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 16 points and 16 boards, while Dennis Schröder and Stephen Curry chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Warriors put together a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, holding the Cavaliers to just 20 points, but they struggled in the 3rd, allowing 37 points, which contributed to their 113-95 loss. Overall, Golden State gave up 113 points on 45% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Warriors allowed Cleveland to hit 18 threes at a 38% clip. The Cavaliers also went to the free-throw line 10 times, making 7. Golden State finished with 41 defensive rebounds, giving up 11 offensive boards, while also recording 5 steals and 8 blocks.

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Warriors to secure the win, with an expected final score of 120-92. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -2.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 217, and our model projects the 76ers and Warriors to reach a combined total of 212 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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Embiid, 76ers Look to Rebound Against Struggling Warriors

The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a frustrating loss to the Sacramento Kings, will aim to bounce back as they face the reeling Golden State Warriors on Thursday night in San Francisco. The key question is whether Joel Embiid, nursing a sore left foot, will suit up for the second night of a back-to-back.

76ers: Defensive Growth Amid Challenges

Philadelphia (21-13) had a four-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday when they fell 113-107 to the Kings. Embiid’s absence was keenly felt as the Sixers squandered a nine-point lead in the final minutes. Still, head coach Nick Nurse praised his team’s resilience and growing defensive identity, even amid lineup changes.

“We’re starting to take whatever comes our way,” Nurse said. “What I’m most happy with is that we’re starting to get a defensive mentality to us. And that can take you a long ways.”

Veteran forward Paul George stepped up in Embiid’s absence, scoring 30 points despite taking a hard fall during the game. His status for Thursday remains uncertain.

Warriors: Searching for Answers

The Warriors (16-17) have hit a skid, losing 13 of their last 17 games after starting the season 12-3. Golden State’s offensive struggles have been pronounced, with the team failing to reach 100 points in six of their past 12 outings.

“We’re kind of in a rut right now,” head coach Steve Kerr admitted. “We haven’t made shots for a while. It feels like it should turn, but we have to find a way to generate better rhythm and spacing.”

Golden State’s most recent outing, a 118-100 loss to Cleveland, highlighted their woes. Stephen Curry managed just 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting, while Draymond Green contributed only two points, missing 9 of 10 shots.

One bright spot for the Warriors has been Jonathan Kuminga, who followed up consecutive 34-point games with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Cavaliers.

Matchup Notes

• The Warriors swept the 76ers in last season’s series, including a 127-104 win in Philadelphia without Embiid.
• Golden State has struggled to capitalize on their home-court advantage recently, and their shooting inconsistencies are a glaring issue.
• Philadelphia’s recent defensive improvements could pose significant challenges for the Warriors’ sputtering offense.

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Key Storylines

• Embiid’s Availability: Will the Sixers’ star return to help spark a bounce-back effort? His presence changes the dynamic on both ends of the floor.
• Golden State’s Shooting Woes: Can Curry and the Warriors find their rhythm against an improving Sixers defense?
• Role Players Stepping Up: With questions about George’s availability and Kuminga’s recent surge, secondary contributions could be pivotal.

Prediction

The 76ers’ defensive momentum, paired with the Warriors’ struggles, gives Philadelphia a slight edge. If Embiid plays, his impact on both ends could prove decisive. However, Golden State’s desperation and Kuminga’s emergence might make this a closer game than expected.