Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Prediction: Can Alperen Sengun Find Success Against 76ers?
The Houston Rockets host the Philadelphia Sixers tonight. Can Alperen Sengun find success against 76ers with Joel Embiid still out? Ben Rajavuori answers.
Ben Rajavuori - December 29, 2023, 4:58 PM EST
5 minPhiladelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Prediction: Can Alperen Sengun Find Success Against 76ers?
The Houston Rockets host the Philadelphia Sixers in Houston tonight as they try to rebound from back-to-back losses and stay above .500. The Rockets are 9th in the Western Conference with a 15-14 record, and tonight they play in their best split. They are 12-4 at home this year and just 3-10 on the road. Can they beat the Sixers with no Joel Embiid?
76ers vs. Rockets Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 29, 2023
- Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Prediction
The Rockets can probably win this game with no Batum or Embiid for the Sixers, but if they do, that probably means Sengun has a good night. Alperen Sengun is the leading scorer for the Rockets with 20.9 points per game. He also has 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He averages 32 minutes per game, and he will have an excellent matchup against the Sixers without their former MVP (and making a solid case for another MVP award this year). The Sixers lack size with their injuries, and Sengun can take advantage down low.
Paul Reed will likely be starting in Embiid's place again tonight. Reed is just 6' 9" and 210 pounds, which is a much better size matchup for Sengun than the 7' 0" 280-pound Embiid.
Sengun's points + Rebounds line is 34.5 tonight, which seems high for him, but not in this specific matchup. The Rockets are down Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks for this game once again, so Sengun will be needed for his rebounding and paint presence. He should get to the high 30's in minutes tonight and be involved in a lot of the possessions for the Rockets as the leading scorer and rebounder. That will be a lot easier to do against backup center Paul Reed and an under-sized Sixers team with injuries. Expect a big game from the big man tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Pick
Pick: Alperen Sengun Over 34.5 Points + Rebounds -104 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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