Philadelphia at Houston

Time: 7 PM CT (ESPN)

Spread: HOU -8.5

Total: 230.5

Odds c/o 5dimes

PHI TEAM NOTES:

The Philadelphia 76ers have won six of its last 10 games. It is currently seeded No. 4 in the East, but it trails Conference-leading Milwaukee by eight games. It is one half-game behind No. 3 Indiana. If the playoffs began today, the Sixers would wage war against the No. 5 seeded Boston Celtics.

Right now, it is simply trying to stay afloat with Simmons responsible for nearly everything with his rag-tag supporting cast. Butler is expected to return from his sprained wrist tonight.

The 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz was dealt to the Orlando Magic for Jonathan Simmons plus parts…and Jimmy Butler is a strong addition, but the Sixers have certainly missed the defensive presence Robert Covington gave them (he and Dario Saric were the two key players traded for Butler). The Sixers also are pretty heavily reliant on its top-end talent, and adding depth is not something that should be left out of consideration.

Simmons is an unorthodox point guard, but a very good one, at least. In his second NBA season, the 6’10” 1-man is averaging 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, while ranking No. 3 on the team in PER. Butler was a crucial addition, but one cannot overlook how Tobias Harris really rounds out Philly’s starting five. Since being acquired in a trade, Harris has averaged 21.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his 10 starts. Philly has won seven of those games, and Harris’ scoring ability takes some pressure off Butler who can now be used in a role as a lockdown defender without colossal offensive responsibilities. Butler still averages 18.5 points per game but his biggest value to the Sixers is his ability to lock up opponents’ premier wing players.

HOU TEAM NOTES:

Though the Rockets have struggled this season, the team has won seven of its last 10 overall and still is situated No. 5 in the Western Conference. It has also won its last six to pull within one half-game of OKC in the Western Conference standings.

The team lost Trevor Ariza over the offseason, hoping that replacing him with Carmelo Anthony would solve its problems. It did none of that, and the team has taken many steps back defensively, which ultimately is the reason it has failed to succeed at the rate it did a year ago. Houston is surrendering 111.1 points per game and scoring 113.2 itself, which yields just a 2.1 positive, point differential.

The Rockets must tighten up its defense significantly to rejoin the realm of Western Conference contenders, which many are feeling can still happen.

Clint Capela had been making a strong bid to be an All-Star and it is easy to see why Houston felt comfortable releasing Dwight Howard to clear the way for Capela.

Truth be told, he has a little of young Dwight, in him and his game. Capela averages 17.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.88 blocks per game while posting the second-best PER on the Rockets. He has proven to be the anchor of a defense that greatly needs perimeter improvement, and it is hardly all the fault of Harden as the narrative often goes.

Harden is playing passing lanes well, coming up with 2-plus steals a game, while heading the offensive attack in his usual masterful way. Harden’s averaging 33.9 points and 8.6 assists per game.

ATS TRENDS (C/O Covers):