It’s reigning MVP Joel Embiid vs. rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama in what could be the first of many anticipated match-ups. Get your popcorn ready.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: San Antonio Spurs (8-34, 5-18 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Tre Jones
  • Devin Vassell
  • Keldon Johnson
  • Jeremy Sochan
  • Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs will head to a game coming off a win – a rarity! They eked past the Washington Wizards on the road on Sunday, 131-127, and shot 53.1% from the floor. Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan led the way as each had 20-plus points.

‘Wemby’ is continuing to prove why he was one of the most hyped rookies in a long while. He is now at 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.2 blocks per game on the season, looking scarier than ever, especially when you realize that he just turned 20. Tomorrow will be a big day for him as he’ll get to prove it opposite the league’s reigning MVP.

Vasell is right behind the Frenchman with 17.8 PPG, alongside Keldon Johnson with 17.2 PPG and second-year point forward Jeremy Sochan, who has 14.0 / 6.1 / 3.9 / 1.1 over his last eight outings.

Despite being just 3-7 in their last 10 games, the Spurs are scoring 116.3 PPG and only allowing 115.4 over that span.

Advertisement

HOME: Philadelphia 76ers (28-13, 16-6 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • DeAnthony Melton
  • Tobias Harris
  • Nic Batum
  • Joel Embiid

The Sixers have won each of their last five games. They are scoring 116.6 PPG with an average winning margin of 11.2 points in that stretch, which is right on brand since they are one of the few teams to rank inside the top 7 in points, points allowed, offensive rating, and defensive rating.

We should see Joel Embiid with his chest out, looking to flex his MVP muscles on Wembanyama this Tuesday. He is obliterating the statsheet this season with 35.0 points, 11.4 boards, 5.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks per contest, and is salivating over the marquee match-up. 

Tyrese Maxey (26.0 PPG, 6.7 APG) remains as Embiid’s main scoring partner, although the young guard ought to improve his efficiency as he has shot just 41% in his last 13 games. Tobias Harris (17.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.2 APG), who’s quietly having a nice campaign, should be a factor too.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Sixers (-13.5) fail to cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 237.

Advertisement