Philadelphia 76ers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 2, 2024 

The Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers will lock horns in Thursday's marquee showdown. It's their first meeting of the season. The Warriors are 16-16 entering this home clash, while the 76ers, on a road trip, are 13-18. Both teams have seen their fair share of ups and downs.

That makes Thursday's skirmish as unpredictable as it could get. The Warriors haven't been consistent since going up 10-2. They have lost 13 of their last 17 games and are coming off a 113-95 blowout defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, the 76ers have posted 10 wins in their last 14 games but are also coming off a loss. The Sacramento Kings bested them 113-107 after a fourth-quarter collapse for Nick Nurse's men on Wednesday.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips

Spread: 76ers +2.5 (-111), Warriors -2.5 (+110)

Moneyline: 76ers +117, Warriors -141

Total over/under: 76ers o218.5 (-110), Warriros u218.5 (-110)

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors Preview

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the season with great expectations after a blockbuster spending spree in the offseason. They signed Paul George and Caleb Martin, among others, hoping to bolster their push for a title. However, injuries to Joel Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey initially saw Philadelphia struggle to get a good start, falling to 2-12.

Since then, an 11-6 run has helped the 76ers improve to 13-18. In that stretch, they have been the 17th-best offense, with a 112.7 rating and the 12th-best defense, rated 111.3.

The offense has drastically improved over the past five games, ranking eighth with 117.1 points per 100 possessions. With Joel Embiid playing Thursday, Philadelphia will have a legitimate shot to upset against Golden State.

On the other hand, the Warriors started well but have been in a downward spiral for the past five weeks. Steph Curry's production has been subpar, and the Warriors haven't had the answer for it. Their alternatives haven't been as consistent as expected.

What appeared to be a team with immense depth suddenly looks like it needs more to survive the 82-game season. Tied for the third-worst record over the past 17 games (3-14), the Warriors' major issues have stemmed from their misfiring offense, which ranks 28th in that stretch (106.1). Their defense hasn't been helpful either, ranked 18th with a 113.4 rating.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors Predicted Starting 5s

76ers starting lineup

PG - Tyrese Maxey, SG - Kyle Lowry, SF - Paul George, PF - Caleb Martin, C -Joel Embiid

Warriors starting lineup

PG - Steph Curry, SG - Dennis Schroder, SF - Andrew Wiggins, PF - Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Tips

Joel Embiid is projected to score over 28.5 points. Embiid scored over 27 points in five full games during December.

Steph Curry is projected to score over 22.5 points and 3.5 3s. Over the past five games, he's scored over 30 twice and made four 3s or more four times.

Dennis Schroder is favored to record over 5.5 assists. He averaged 5.4 per game in December.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction

The Golden State Warriors are marginally favored to win Thursday's contest with a -2.5-point spread and -141 money line. Their homecourt advantage could do the trick. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers are playing on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, hindering their shot at causing an upset.