Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 8, 2025

The Philadelphia 76ers host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, in the first of their three showdowns this season. Both injury-plagued teams will attempt to get back on track following double-digit losses.

Washington (6-28) sits at the bottom of the NBA standings. It has lost three straight contests and five of its last six, including Tuesday's 135-112 home loss to the Houston Rockets.

Meanwhile, Philly (14-20) is situated just outside the Eastern Conference play-in picture, in 11th place. However, injuries continue to weigh the veteran-laden squad down amid its quest to get back to .500.

Most recently, the Sixers fell 109-99 at home to the Phoenix Suns on Monday despite star point guard Tyrese Maxey's game-high 31-point performance. The defeat marked their third in their last four appearances.

---

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers odds, preview and prediction

The Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers' clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The game will be broadcast on NBCS-PH and MNMT. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

Moneyline: Wizards (+425) vs Sixers (-575)

Spread: Wizards +11.0 (-110) vs Sixers -11.0 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o221.5 (-110) vs u221.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

---

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers preview

Washington has been without its leading scorer, guard Jordan Poole (21.8 points per game), over the last two games as he nurses a left hip contusion.

The franchise's injury woes were amplified on Tuesday, as its second-leading scorer, forward Kyle Kuzma (15.1 ppg), exited early due to a right calf contusion. He was later deemed questionable to return before sitting out the rest of the evening.

With both players' statuses uncertain entering Wednesday, the Wizards' league-worst offense (105.5 offensive rating) could take another step back.

If Poole and Kuzma are sidelined, sophomore forward Bilal Coulibaly and rookie big man Alex Sarr will likely take on increased offensive roles. However, both raw prospects have struggled with their shooting efficiency.

Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas and sharpshooter Corey Kispert should also get more shot attempts. Kispert tallied a team-best 23 points against Houston.

On the other end, Washington ranks second-last in defensive rating (118.0), with little hope for improvement given its dearth of established defenders.

As for Philly, two members of its Big 3 have been ruled out. Superstar big man Joel Embiid will miss his second consecutive outing due to a left foot sprain. Meanwhile, star wing Paul George is sidelined with left groin tightness.

Thus, Maxey, the Sixers' leading scorer (25.4 ppg), will face immense pressure to carry his team's 25th-ranked offense (109.0 offensive rating). Veterans Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin's wing scoring will also be of heightened importance.

However, replacing Embiid's two-way production at the five spot will likely be the toughest. Veteran center Andre Drummond is considered questionable after sitting out Monday due to a left toe strain. Another absence would again leave Philly with no proven big man.

The Sixers have been a middle-of-the-pack defensive squad, ranking 15th in defensive rating (112.5). However, without a paint presence, they could struggle defensively.

---

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers projected starting lineups

With Poole, Kuzma and several other rotation players' statuses up in the air, Washington's starting lineup could be as follows:

PG: Jordan Poole (GTD)/Malcolm Brogdon (GTD)/Carlton Carrington SG: Carlton Carrington/Kyshawn George SF: Bilal Coulibaly PF: Kyle Kuzma (GTD)/Justin Champagnie C: Alex Sarr

Meanwhile, with Embiid, George and forward KJ Martin (foot) out, Philly's starting five will hinge on Drummond's availability. If he is sidelined, the team will again be forced to deploy a small-ball lineup:

PG: Tyrese Maxey SG: Kelly Oubre Jr./Eric Gordon SF: Caleb Martin/Kelly Oubre Jr. PF: Guerschon Yabusele/Caleb Martin C: Andre Drummond (GTD)/Guerschon Yabusele

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

---

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers betting tips

Coulibaly's points prop is 14.5. The streaky sophomore has gone cold lately, scoring 12 or fewer points in three straight games, so it makes sense to take the under.

Meanwhile, Maxey's points prop is 30.5. The one-time All-Star is coming off a 31-point showing against Phoenix and appears poised to deliver another elite scoring effort against the Wizards' bottom-tier defense. Thus, he should hit the over for his undermanned squad.

---

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers prediction

While both teams are being depleted, the Sixers boast the matchup's top player in Maxey as well as home-court advantage and should secure a victory. However, they may not cover the spread (-11.0), as they have few dependable offensive options and potentially no big man.

Nevertheless, the squads appear likely to surpass their over/under point total (221.5). The Wizards and their opponents have exceeded that figure in seven of their last eight contests.

---