Suns vs 76ers Picks and Predictions: Phoenix Takes Advantage of Transitioning Sixers

The Phoenix Suns are setting the early pace in the Western Conference and will look to stay hot in tonight’s matchup against a banged-up Philadelphia 76ers team.

After splitting a two-game series with the surprising Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns (7-2) play their next four on the road and will need even more from Devin Booker after losing sharpshooter Cam Johnson to a knee injury.

Meanwhile, with James Harden out for a month, and Joel Embiid battling injury and illness this past week, the 76ers (4-6) are suddenly light on star power. In the space of a few days, Tyrese Maxey has gone from an explosive third option to carrying the offense.

Check out our Suns vs 76ers NBA picks and predictions for everything you need to know about tonight’s matchup.

Suns vs 76ers best odds

Suns vs 76ers picks and predictions

With Chris Paul at the controls, Phoenix gets the most out of every possession – and that typically means crisp execution and open looks right out of the gate. The Suns are fourth in the NBA in first-half winning margin (5.2 points) and have grabbed a halftime lead in seven of their nine games.

I see tonight’s battle following a similar script. The 76ers are still adjusting to Harden’s absence, with Maxey and others shifting into different roles, plus Embiid’s possible return to action (he practiced yesterday). All that could prompt a sluggish start for the hosts. 

After a tumultuous summer off the court, there were reasonable concerns that Phoenix might take a step back this season, but its core isn’t letting that happen. The Suns know exactly who they are – and that starts with Booker and Paul running the pick and roll and dominating on the perimeter, where the 76ers are glaringly short of lockdown guards beyond non-shooter Matisse Thybulle. 

Don’t count on home-court advantage being a major edge either. There hasn’t been much home cooking at the Wells Fargo Center so far this season, with Philadelphia 1-4 at home.

Phoenix has the look of a team that’s laser-focused on banishing the memories of last season’s playoff disappointment – and I like the visitors to take control of this game early.

My best bet: Suns first half -2.5 (+125 at bet365)

Suns vs 76ers spread analysis

Phoenix is a slight favorite to land the road win here, and much will depend on the health of Embiid. Either way, though, the Suns are good value to grind out a win, whether you prefer to bet ATS or SU.

The Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on one day’s rest, and Booker is coming off an efficient 24-point night in the 102-82 blowout win over the Blazers on Saturday. Mikal Bridges has the length and foot speed to take the Maxey assignment when needed, while former 76er Dario Saric should have some added motivation to shine off the bench.

Though the 76ers have since had a few extra days to tinker with their offense, Friday’s 106-104 loss to the New York Knicks brought some red flags. Maxey led Philadelphia with 31 points, but he needed 29 shots to get there under the strain of being the primary scoring option.

It’s tough to count on big production from DeAnthony Melton and Montrezl Harrell against a team on Phoenix’s level.

Suns vs 76ers Over/Under analysis

This looks like a fair line but the numbers point to the total hitting the Under, which is 5-0 in the Suns’ last five road games. The Under is also 7-0 in the 76ers’ last seven games following a SU loss and 5-1 in their last six home games. 

The line already reflects Harden’s absence, but Embiid is a question mark. Assuming he plays, will he need a few quarters to get his conditioning back?

That could mean a clunky start against a Phoenix defense that’s tied for the second-fewest points allowed per game (103.9) and can trust DeAndre Ayton with the Embiid assignment. I also expect to see the Suns swarming around Maxey and forcing someone else to initiate the offense.

Equally, the 76ers’ bench scoring is shaky. The second unit combined for 21 points against the Knicks and just 14 points in the loss to the Washington Wizards last Wednesday.

At the other end, Paul is most comfortable playing at a slower tempo and running sets in the halfcourt – which again tilts things towards the Under. Expect to see his usual blend of surgical playmaking and minimal turnovers here.

Suns vs 76ers betting trend to know

The Suns have had the recent edge in this matchup and are 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings with the 76ers. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. 76ers.

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