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If you thought Ivica Zubac was annoying, just wait until tonight when Houston runs into a team of Zubacs.
The Rockets had no answer for the Lakers’ young Croatian center, and there’s likely not going to be any answers for Joel Embiid, who’s one of the most skilled centers to ever play basketball and a force on defense. Add to that the fact that Houston already had no answer for Ben Simmons even when Trevor Ariza was a Rocket, and then factor in Jimmy Butler, who’s a stud.
Oh, and J.J. Redick always murders the Rockets. Always.
Philadelphia is 30-17 overall and 19-5 at home. I could write about how The Process has come to fruition, and how Philly has changed the way basketball teams rebuild.
The Sixers are deeper than Houston even when the Rockets are healthy. And in case you haven’t heard, the Rockets aren’t very healthy. James Harden can get his points, but if the other Rockets cannot hit open threes, then Houston is going to have a tough time beating good teams until they return to full strength, or at least get one of their two injured starters back.
I think the Sixers will win this one in a blowout. They are too talented and deep for Houston to keep up on either end. Embiid could go for 40 points and 30 rebounds. Redick will hit six threes.
Tip-off is at 7pm CT on TNT