Harden Returns to Philly for Rematch with Sixers
Clippers vs 76ers Preview, Odds, and More
In this Clippers vs 76ers Preview, we will look at NBA results, and past matchups and examine some odds and props for NBA picks tonight.
The Philadelphia 76ers head into a rematch with the Los Angeles Clippers this week with momentum after a convincing 121-107 victory on Sunday. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey led the charge for the Sixers, with Harris dropping 24 points and Maxey contributing 19 points, 15 of which came in the crucial second half. James Harden, facing his former team for the first time, struggled offensively despite recording a double-double with 12 points and 14 assists.
The Clippers clawed their way back from a 17-point deficit but were ultimately outlasted by a dominant Sixers fourth quarter led by Maxey. This win snapped Philadelphia’s losing streak and set the stage for an intriguing rematch in Philly this week. Both teams will be looking to make a statement as they jockey for playoff positioning.
Continue for more Clippers vs 76ers preview and matchup analysis.
Los Angeles Clippers (44-27) at Philadelphia 76ers (39-33) 
Date, time:
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Can Harden Handle the Pressure?
The Sixers had a little extra juice behind them in their victory in Los Angeles on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers wanted to put it on their former teammate James Harden after he quit on them (the third team he’s quit on in the last few years) after last season’s playoff loss.
Following a very worrisome start after acquiring James Harden, Harden and the Clippers went on a tear this winter and as of Monday are the fourth seed in the Western Conference and have the third-highest odds to win an NBA Championship (+550 to win the title). This is all after going only 8-9 since the All-Star break, and generally being uninspiring since January.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Harden has taken a step back on the scoring front and has figured out how to be a productive offensive force without needing the ball in his hands at all times. Harden is averaging 17.2 points per game this season, his lowest since winning sixth man of the year in 2012. In Harden’s last seven games however, his scoring has dipped even further, to 13.4 points while his assists have gone up to 10.7 per game (he is averaging 8.5 assists per game on the season).
With the Philly crowd applying even extra pressure Wednesday, we expect Harden to continue his scoring struggles. Take a look at the Harden points under in his return to Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Philly Fans Get Ready
The boos will rain down in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Everyone loves it when the Philadelphia fans have some extra venom in their cheers, and NBA fans (and James Harden) will be getting that treat on Wednesday. Outside of the NBA drama, this team has multiple reasons to fight on Wednesday.
The Sixers are still in the fight to potentially get out of Play-In Tournament seeding, and help may be on the way. The Sixers star Joel Embiid has officially started practicing for the first time since his January injury. If the Sixers can get to the sixth seed by Joel’s return, they would have the extra room for error they will likely need to make a playoff run.
The Sixers lost on Monday in a good fight with the Sacramento Kings. Maxey put up 29 points but lacked help from his supporting cast. Tobias Harris only put up 12 points as the second high scorer in Philly, the Sixers will need help from somewhere if they want a chance on Wednesday.
Clippers Need a Win
The spread for this game opened at Clippers -5.5 with a total of 219. The Clippers are due for a win. They haven’t beaten a winning team since early March, and Monday nights whooping by the Pacers will hopefully put some fire in their bellies.
They are 2-4 in their last six games and only 1-5 against the spread in those contests. If you believe the Clippers are title contenders expect them to at least hit the money line in this game, if not cover and put the inferiorly talented Sixers in their place.
Now take this Clippers vs 76ers Preview and go make some money!
Clippers vs 76ers Preview
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