Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (2/7/24)
The Golden State Warriors (22-25) meet the injured Philadelphia 76ers (30-19) this Wednesday (2/7/24). Get Warriors vs. 76ers moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction
First, injuries must be sorted before diving into any analysis. Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington are all out, while Tyrese Maxey is questionable with an illness. He missed shootaround this morning per NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Noah Levick, so Maxey can be considered more doubtful than probable. Therefore, the 76ers will likely be without four starters, including their two All-Stars. On the other hand, Golden State may miss Draymond Green, who holds a questionable tag. Given this game context, backing the Warriors against the spread is the best bet.
Steph Curry is averaging about 28 points per game on an excellent 63.3 true shooting percentage. No other player in this matchup even comes close to Curry’s talent level and production, so Golden State inherently has a massive advantage here. Philadelphia also lacks the guard defenders to throw at him with Melton sidelined. Patrick Beverley can pester him in the pick-and-roll, but he will consistently lose Curry off-ball due to his mediocre screen navigation.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga has absolutely exploded recently. Over his past 10 games, he has averaged 24.9 points on dynamic 60/53/79 shooting splits (via StatMuse). Covington and Batum’s injuries remove key wing defenders that could somewhat limit Kuminga, so Golden State possesses two players in Curry and Kuminga who may go nuclear. In addition, Philadelphia must also contend with Klay Thompson’s shooting, Brandin Podziemski’s all-around play, and X Factors such as Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody.
Overall, Philadelphia’s depleted roster has few quality defenders in this matchup, which doesn’t bode well against a Warriors squad that ranks 6th in Offensive Rating across their past 15 games.
On the other end, the 76ers will struggle to consistently generate advantages without their stars. They lack pick-and-roll playmakers here, which places too much self-creation pressure on their catch-and-shoot wings. Paul Reed’s above-the-rim scoring could give Golden State issues, but who is setting him up? It’s difficult to envision this 76ers roster keeping pace with the Warriors’ offense.
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Warriors -5
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Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Best Odds
Golden State is favored by 4.5 points, although that could change depending on whether Tyrese Maxey manages to suit up. It’s worth noting that the Warriors are only 11-17 against the spread as favorites, which is a bit concerning.
For the 76ers’ +178 moneyline to be profitable in the long run, they need to win this game at least 36 percent of the time.
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Brandin Podziemski
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: Jonathan Kuminga
C: Draymond Green
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Kelly Oubre Jr
SF: Danuel House Jr
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Paul Reed
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Injuries
Andrew Wiggins holds a probable tag, while Draymond Green is questionable. Additionally, the Warriors will miss Chris Paul and Gary Payton II.
Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington are out for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey, Danuel House Jr, and Marcus Morris are questionable too.
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Key Matchups
Klay Thompson’s Shooting
The 4x champion has had a rocky season due to signs of basketball decline, and it’s snowballed recently. He has only made 12 of his past 49 three-point attempts, or 24 percent. A simple shooting slump would typically be to blame, but the mental stress of this unfortunate reality may play a part. If Thompson can return to his former self in this matchup and get into a rhythm early, then Golden State’s offense will be highly explosive. A swish on his first couple of shots would go a long way.
