Joel Embiid is still out, but Paul George will finally be on deck for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Phoenix Suns are gaining steam, though, and determined to spoil George’s debut.

Catch the game tomorrow, November 5th, at 11:15 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Philadelphia 76ers (1-4, 1-1 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • Kyle Lowry
  • Kelly Oubre
  • Paul George
  • Joel Embiid (out) / Andre Drummond

With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, the Sixers have expectedly started out off. They have lost all but one of their five games thus far while compiling a -9.2 net rating, the second-lowest in the league.

Things may start to turn now, though, as George is set to debut. He’s been out since hyperextending his knee in a preseason game three weeks ago. PG will now be aiding budding star Tyrese Maxey.

The first-time All-Star in 2024 has been leading the offense for the time being, posting 29.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. It’s topped by terrible shooting efficiency (38.5%), but expect it to be better as the season goes along.

If the coaching staff decides to just let PG ease the rhythm back in, and have him on a mild minutes restriction, Kelly Oubre (18.0 PPG) and Caleb Martin (11.2 PPG) will remain as the other key contributors behind Maxey.

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HOME: Phoenix Suns (5-1, 3-0 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyus Jones
  • Devin Booker
  • Bradley Beal
  • Kevin Durant
  • Jusuf Nurkic

The Suns enter as winners of four-consecutive games. They are averaging 112.8 PPG with a +7.0 net rating in that span, slowly but steadily looking better at every turn.

As per usual, Kevin Durant (25.8 PPG) and Devin Booker (26.7 PPG, 5.7 APG) pose as the lethal offensive tandem. The former is a scoring machine and an ageless wonder, while the latter is on a heater as of late, scoring 33, 40, and a 28/9/9 near-triple-double in his last three outings. Bradley Beal (17.3 PPG, 4.5 APG) has become the lost member of the supposed Big Three as he continues to deal with nagging injuries.

Then, there are solid role players, namely rebounder Jusuf Nurkic, ‘3 and D’ guys Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, and point guard Tyus Jones, who’s an assist-to-turnover specialist. Creeping up behind those bunch, however, is rookie Ryan Dunn, a defender with a high potential. He’s been showing out. It’ll be interesting to see how he can progress as they move forward.

PICKS: 

Spread: Suns (-7)

Over/Under: Over (222.5)

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