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Joel “The Process” Embiid helped lead the 76ers to an Overtime win on Thursday night, January 22nd over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
“The Process” filled up the stat sheet with 32 points 15 rebounds 10 assists, Embiid’s sixth thirty point triple double of his career. The most impressive stat of the night was not associated to Embiids triple double. 42 minutes. Joel Embiid logged 42 minutes in the overtime win.
Which for Embiid and 76ers fans, is a win in itself. Thursday night was the second game in the month of January where Embiid played at least 40 minutes. The former NBA MVP looks happy and healthy. So, can the 76ers finally get over the hump and make a deep run in the playoffs?
Why 76ers might be the team to bet on in the Eastern Conference
The 76ers are currently 24-19, good for 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings, just 1.5 games back of the third place New York Knicks. The two teams will meet Saturday in Philadelphia for a national televised showdown on ABC at 3:00pm Eastern Time.
Saturday’s game is an opportunity for Philadelphia to improve their record to 3-0 this season vs the Knicks, and to position themselves to overtake a top 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.
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For the first time in a long time, Embiid looks happy and healthy. Two things that have come and gone way too frequently over the years for Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.
The biggest shift in the 76ers outlook so far this season? The play of Tyrese Maxey. Maxey will be a starter in the All Star game this season. Maxey has been one of the best players on the planet so far, averaging 30.1 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and 7 assists per game.
The other factor in this shift has been rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe. Edgecombe has been lights out in his rookie season, hitting big shots in the clutch, attacking the rim, knocking down threes, getting out in transition, and being active on the defensive side of the floor.
The success in Philly’s backcourt led by Maxey and Edgecombe has provided Joel Embiid with a chance to play free, with the weight of the world seemingly lifted off of his shoulders.
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The 76ers have an opportunity to finally get past the second round of the NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference, and punch their ticket to an NBA Finals. With the Knicks in disarray, the East seems as wide open as it's ever been.
At BETMGM sportsbook, the Philadelphia 76ers odds to win the Eastern Conference currently sit at +1200. Over the next 10 days, the 76ers schedule consists of bad teams that are bottom feeders in both the Eastern and Western conferences:
Knicks, Hornets (12th in East), Bucks (11th in East), Kings (14th in West), Pelicans (15th in West), Clippers (10th in West).
A win Saturday afternoon against rival New York could be a jumping off point for this Sixers team with an opportunity to string together wins and climb up the standings in the Eastern Conference.
At +1200 odds to win the conference, this is the definition of a “buy low” spot for this 76ers team, who seem to be piecing things together and poised to go on a run. Healthy and Happy, a dangerous sight for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
Sign up with the BetMGM bonus code to win $150 in bonus bets or get a $1,500 First Bet Offer, depending on your location.
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