Suns are 6-0 ATS to Begin Year, Host Undefeated Sixers as +105 Underdogs
- Phoenix Suns enjoying strong start to campaign
- Sixers are the only team unbeaten team remaining in the NBA
- Get the odds, our pick, and all the info you need to bet the game below
The surprisingly competitive Phoenix Suns host the undefeated Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Phoenix are 6-0 against the spread so far this season and boast an impressive 4-2 record despite DeAndre Ayton’s absence due to suspension.
Philadelphia have their own hole at center with Joel Embiid also suspended for this one. The Sixers’ perfect record faced its biggest test to date against Portland on Saturday. Brett Brown’s team stormed back from a 21-point deficit and clinched victory with a Furkan Korkmaz three-pointer with four seconds on the clock.
The latest Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns odds make Philly the favorites at -125.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | -2 (-105) | -125 | Over 224 (-117) |
| Phoenix Suns | +2 (-115) | +105 | Under 224 (-103) |
Odds taken Nov. 4.
Former Celtics Duel
No longer backing up Al Horford, Aron Baynes has been the starting center for the Suns with Ayton suspended. Baynes notched 20 points in his last outing including a career-high four three-pointers. Horford has started solidly and excelled in Embiid’s absence against Portland, starting at the five and scoring 25 points while being credited with seven assists.
Challenge accepted. https://t.co/XLJVmacOBh
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 3, 2019
Philly leads the league in points in the paint per game while Phoenix are eighth in that department. Baynes and Horford have important roles defensively. If Baynes can restrict their scoring inside, the Sixers will be forced to go to the perimeter. They have struggled from deep all year, owning the fifth-worst team three-point percentage.
Phoenix, meanwhile, are shooting over 37% from deep as a team. The Sixers have the fifth-best defensive rating in the league, but teams are shooting a high percentage from beyond the arc against them. The Suns need to maintain their efficient shooting if they are to win this one.
The Suns bench is DEEEEEP
Jevon Carter
Tyler Johnson
Mikal Bridges
Frank Kaminsky
Aron Baynes
Cam JohnsonNow THAT’S A BENCH ???
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) November 3, 2019
Two Solid Benches
The Suns and Sixers have had depth issues in recent years. Early signs this season show those problems have been addressed as both teams rank in the top ten in the NBA in bench plus-minus. While they are middle of the pack in bench shooting percentage, the two teams both have seen good defensive minutes from their benches. Philadelphia rank seventh in bench steals per game. Phoenix are tied for 11th.
Frank Kaminsky has been a key piece for the Suns. The former ninth overall pick is averaging 12.5 points per game and 6.3 boards in just under 26 minutes. Saturday’s win over Memphis saw Mikal Bridges enjoy his best performance of the year, scoring 10 and registering four steals in under 20 minutes.
Korkmaz starred for Philadelphia against the Blazers. Kyle O’Quinn has given solid minutes at the five when required, and Mike Scott is shooting nearly 39% from three-point range. Matisse Thybulle, who has started in Embiid’s place, is a defensive sensation, leading the league in steals per game and sitting fifth in deflections.
The uptick in bench performance has been a key component to the strong starts for both teams. A big night on either end of the floor from one of the second unit could go a long to determining the outcome on Monday in Arizona.
Sixers Just Too Good
The Suns will find it harder than usual from deep. Josh Richardson and Thybulle will contest shots. Horford’s flexibility on the defensive end makes him a good matchup for Baynes, who is shooting over 43% from three so far this season.
This was great defense on Dame from Tobias Harris.
If Harris, the Sixers' worst defensive starter, can keep up his improved defense, they're going to be even better. pic.twitter.com/6KwhYLTjaa
— Tom West (@TomWestNBA) November 3, 2019
These two teams commit more fouls than any other in the NBA. This might not be the best game of the season to watch, with a high percentage of points likely to come at the free-throw line.
Phoenix have lost both of their games by a solitary point, but this represents their toughest matchup thus far. The Sixers are good value to cover the spread.
Pick: Sixers -2 (-105)
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
