The Philadelphia 76ers were the NBA’s last undefeated team until stumbling in their last game. They find themselves underdogs for the second straight game, this time against a dangerous Utah Jazz squad. But with the return of superstar center Joel Embiid, bettors would be smart to get back behind the Sixers.
- Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz (Matchup Report)
- Date/Time: November 6, 9:30 p.m. ET
- TV Coverage: NBA Channel, AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountains, NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Sportsbook Odds: Utah -2 | O/U 212 (Line History)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Jazz opened as marginal 2-point home favorites, as they’re 3-0 at home this year but are facing a more talented 76ers squad. As these are two of the league’s stingiest defenses, the total started at a very low 212 points.
Philadelphia News & Notes
The Sixers have looked like the early team to beat in the Eastern Conference, but they will only go as far as Joel Embiid can take them.
In the three games Embiid has played: 97 points against per game, 39.6 percent opponent shooting and 3-0 record.
When Embiid has not played: 117.7 points against per game, 55 percent opponent shooting and 1-2 record.
In addition to his game-altering defense, Embiid is averaging 23.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game … in only 25.3 minutes. Arguably the best center in the league today, Embiid has sat the last two games due to suspension but will be back to battle against Utah’s star big man, Rudy Gobert, in what should be one of the best big-man battles the NBA currently offers.
Utah News & Notes
Coming off two straight road losses, including their most recent 105-94 setback to the Clippers, the Jazz are definitely happy to be back home where they are 3-0 to start the season.
Utah may be led by explosive guard Donovan Mitchell and his 25.7 points per game, but the identity of the club is embodied by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert – Utah is tough, physical and hard to score against.
The Jazz have held opponents to under 100 points in five of their seven games, and are in the top five in the NBA in field goals attempted against per game, opponent field-goal percentage and points against per game.
They’ll be tested Wednesday against a deep Philadelphia squad that is equally proficient on defense, so this has the feel of another hard-nosed, grind-it-out game.
Betting Pick: UNDER 212
Two dominant big men and two dominant defenses. Yes, the total is low, but Utah and Philly are both legit on defense, so I don’t expect a whole lot of points.
- The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Philadelphia’s last 15 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in each of Utah’s last 10 games.
- Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games vs Utah.
