Philadelphia 76ers (20-35) vs Brooklyn Nets (20-35)
Game Info: Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Wells Fargo Center)
Betting Odds: Philadelphia 76ers -10.5 -- Over/Under: 213 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBC Sports Phil
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Both teams currently hold a 20-35 record, positioning them outside the playoff picture and intensifying the significance of this matchup.
The 76ers are on a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 124-104 to the Boston Celtics. Despite having their star trio—Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—on the court, the team struggled, with Embiid contributing 15 points on 3-of-9 shooting. The Nets had a three-game winning streak snapped with a 110-97 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cam Johnson led the team with 18 points in that game.
Cameron Johnson Over 18.5 Points
Cameron Johnson has played 39 games for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024-25 NBA season. He is averaging 19.1 points per game, ranking 43rd in the league. His shooting percentages are 48.8% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range. Additionally, he maintains an 89.4% free-throw percentage. Overall, Cameron Johnson's consistent scoring and shooting efficiency have been instrumental in the Nets' offensive strategy this season.
Cameron Johnson is coming off a game where he scored 18 points against a Cleveland Cavaliers team that has been strong on the defensive side of the ball this season. With Cam Thomas still being out due to injury Cam Johnson has had to become this Nets team's leading scorer. He has a favorable matchup on Saturday going against the Sixers who have been a lackluster on the defense this season.
Tyrese Maxey Over 5.5 Assists
Tyrese Maxey has played 46 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024-25 NBA season. He is averaging 6.1 assists per game, ranking 18th in the league. Despite his individual contributions, the 76ers have faced challenges this season, currently holding a 20-34 record. Maxey's playmaking abilities remain a crucial component of the team's offensive strategy as they strive to improve their standing in the league.
Tyrese Maxey is coming off a game where he had seven assists against the Boston Celtics and we saw him have a 13-game assist back in early February against the Dallas Mavericks. Now that Embid is back in the lineup Maxey’s assists numbers will gradually increase. He has a favorable matchup in this one going against the Brooklyn Nets who are giving up 26.6 assists per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average.
Joel Embiid Under 28.5 Points
Joel Embiid has participated in 18 games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 NBA season. He is averaging 24.3 points per game, with shooting percentages of 45.0% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range. Additionally, he maintains an 87.7% free-throw percentage. Embiid's scoring performance has been impacted by a left knee injury, limiting his participation to 18 out of the team's 55 games. This injury has also affected his efficiency, as his current averages are below his career marks of 27.7 points per game on 50.2% shooting.
Embiid has scored less than 28 points in his last four games. He just doesn't look the same as we’ve seen in previous seasons. Tyrese Maxey has also become a big part of the Sixers team's scoring production which takes opportunities away from Joel Embiid.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
