Spurs vs. 76ers: 3 Best Bets for Wembanyama's First Matchup with MVP Embiid
The San Antonio Spurs will travel to take on the mighty Philadelphia 76ers tonight. Joel Embiid is yet to match up against Victor Wembanyama, and the reigning MVP will be looking to make a statement against the most hyped rookie in recent memory.
The 76ers are riding a six-game winning streak, and Embiid has played in four of them, posting a 37.8 average during that span. To Wembanyama’s credit, he has been averaging 23.8 points and 9.8 rebounds on elite defense over his last five games. This will likely be his last game on a minutes restriction.
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1).
© Winslow Townson, USA TODAY
Both teams have a loaded injury report. Charles Bassey and Sidy Cissoko are out for San Antonio, while Zach Collins and Dominick Barlow are questionable. The Sixers will be without De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. Mo Bamba and Jaden Springer are questionable, and Patrick Beverly is probable.
Keep posted for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: 76ers -14.5 (-110)/Spurs +14.5 (-118)
Money line: 76ers (-1205)/Spurs (+650)
Over/under: 236.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Devin Vassell OVER 16.5 points (-125)
Earlier in the season we had one rule: if Devin Vassell’s line is 17.5 or lower, take the over every time. Since then, we’ve focused more on Wembanyama and Vassell has been slumpy, going two-of-16 from deep over a three-game span. Over his last three games, however, he has been back to form. The guard has averaged 19.7 points on 42 percent shooting from deep, and with the Sixers focusing on Wemby down low, Vassell should be able to make the most of being the second option.
Opponent pick: Joel Embiid OVER 34.5 points (-125)
With Wembanyama down low, Embiid might have trouble scoring. Even when he has trouble, he’s good for 35 points a night, and Wemby is still on a minutes restriction. Realistically, this game will be a blowout from start to finish, so the chances of Wemby playing more than 25 minutes are low, meaning there won’t be anyone to stop Embiid down low. Good luck, Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Defense pick: Victor Wembayma OVER 2.5 blocks
Wembanyama is the league leader in blocks, with 3.2 per game. He has ten games with five or more blocks, and with Embiid trying to take him down low, he might get beat more often than not, but he will have a chance to pin plenty of shots to the backboard. The Sixers score an above-average 51 points in the paint per game, so they are no stranger to attacking the interior.
