Offense meets defense when the Houston Rockets (23-11) welcome the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13) to Toyota Center. The game will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets Free Prediction
The 76ers are hoping for a better outcome after failing to cover as 3.5-point underdogs in their 115-97 loss to the Indiana Pacers in their last outing. The total points for the game (212) were under the projected point total of 216.5. Indiana’s 5.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Philadelphia, who had a mark of 10.7. The Pacers’ mark was better than their season average of 11.6. Ben Simmons put together a good outing for Philadelphia, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The last time the Rockets were in action, they won big over the Denver Nuggets, 130-104, easily covering as 6-point favorites. The game’s combined points (234) came in over the O/U total of 225. The Rockets knocked down 22 of their 31 free throws (71.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.539). James Harden was the game’s leading scorer with 35 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Rockets won the last game 107-91. Houston’s 0.571 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 0.384.
Philadelphia comes into the game with records of 23-13 straight up (SU) and 17-16-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the 76ers’ 36 games, 18 have finished over, 16 have finished under and two have pushed.
Meanwhile, Houston owns records of 23-11 SU and 18-16 ATS. Rockets games tend to go under the projected point total (55.9 percent).
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Houston takes on the top-notch defense of Philadelphia. The Rockets rank third in offensive efficiency, while the 76ers are fifth in defensive efficiency.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Philadelphia is 8-9-1 ATS on the road with 9 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
At home, Houston is 8-8 ATS with 8 overs and 8 unders.
Philadelphia is 10-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
When reaching the century mark, the Rockets are 23-10 and the 76ers are 20-6.
Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (27.5) while Houston ranks 27th (35.9).
The 76ers rank third in assists allowed per game (22.0) while the Rockets rank 26th (25.9).
Houston ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (16.2).
The 76ers average 13.8 fast break points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Rockets rank last in fast break points allowed per game (16.3).
Philadelphia ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Houston ranks 19th (13.4).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.4) while the Rockets rank 17th (45.9).
Philadelphia ranks fourth in steals per game (8.4) while Houston ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
The 76ers rank 14th in points in the paint per game (47.6) while the Rockets rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.6).
Philadelphia ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Houston ranks ninth (4.6).
Over its last five outings, Philadelphia is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Houston is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 113.4 points per game (6.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
