The Philadelphia 76ers get another crack at the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Philly, 0-2 in the season series against Cade Cunningham and Co., hopes to break through despite having an injury-ravaged roster. The Sixers head to Motor City after a 139-129 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Pistons look to regain their form after losing four of their past five games. Detroit will host Philly fresh off a 138-100 beatdown of the hapless Brooklyn Nets to end a four-game losing skid.
A win by the Pistons would secure them the season series against the Sixers and put a little more distance between themselves and the surging Boston Celtics.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Moneyline: 76ers (+600) vs. Pistons (-900)
Odds: 76ers (+14.5 -110) vs. Pistons (-14.5 -110)
Total (O/U): 76ers (o221.5 -110) vs. Pistons (u221.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
76ers Injury Report
The 76ers’ injury report will likely have a major impact on their matchup against the Pistons. Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow), Paul George (suspension), Joel Embiid (oblique), Johni Broome (surgery recovery) and Tyrese Maxey (finger) are out.
Backup center Adem Bona could also miss the game after being ruled questionable due to back soreness.
Pistons Injury Report
Ausar Thompson will continue to miss games due to a right ankle sprain. Caris LeVert is also doubtful due to a left wrist sprain.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons Preview and Prediction
Preview
Who will pick up the scoring slack without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. will be crucial for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, Quentin Grimes, Dalen Terry and Trendon Watford have to help carry the offense. Cam Payne, who had a season-high 32 points against the Grizzlies two nights ago, needs to sustain his hot form.
Philly committed a season-low 11 turnovers against the Grizzlies. The 76ers might have a chance of pulling off an upset if they can replicate that efficient performance.
On the other hand, the Pistons can’t afford to be complacent, particularly with the Celtics breathing down their necks for the No. 1 seed in the East.
Detroit is susceptible to major upsets, as it did last week when it fell 107-105 to Brooklyn. Cade Cunningham and his teammates must execute on both ends with a sense of purpose and decisiveness to avoid another disastrous loss.
Prediction
The Pistons woke up from their lethargic ways when they whipped the Nets two nights ago. Detroit likely blows past Philadelphia with a win that beats the -14.5 spread.
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