Why Are Red-Hot Spurs Underdogs vs. 76ers?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 11:34 AM ET

The San Antonio Spurs will look to push their winning streak to three on Monday night as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Last year, Joel Embiid set a career-high 70 points against the Spurs, but this season, injuries have kept him off the court for all but seven games and the 76ers are a lowly 9-17 and are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

The Spurs, meanwhile, are 15-13 and are in the Play-In Tournament at present. Victor Wembanyama has continued to break out, and the Spurs seem to have recovered from the injuries that plagued the first quarter of their season. Their ideal starting lineup of Wembanyama, Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Harrison Barnes is intact. Despite all signs pointing to the Spurs finding success tonight, they are still the underdogs.

Keep it posted to Inside the Spurs for all the latest news, ranging from odds (via FanDuel), injury reports for both teams, and TV information.

Injury Report

Spurs

76ers

Eric Gordon, face (OUT)
Ricky Council IV, knee (QUESTIONABLE)
Jared McCain, meniscus (OUT)

How to Watch

Time: 6:00 PM CST

Location: Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia, PA)

Channel: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA TV

Streaming: NBA League Pass

Betting Odds

Spread: Spurs +5.5 (-108)/76ers -5.5 (-112)

Money line: Spurs (+188)/76ers (-225)

Over/under: 218

The Spurs are the underdogs in large part because they will only be the fifth team to take on all three of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. Injuries have ravaged the Sixers, and their Big Three has only suited up in four games together. The Sixers are 2-2 in those games, but George exited a game early and Embiid was pulled from a game, so the trio has only completed two games.

Expect the Spurs to ride their wave of momentum into Philadelphia and present a very tough matchup. If you bet, there's a solid chance taking the Spurs' money line is worthwhile.

Check out the Inside the Spurs homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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