Joel Embiid Under 9.5 Rebounds (-140)
Joel Embiid has gone under 9.5 rebounds in seven of the last nine games he’s suited up. With Paul George back and playing well as a Sixer, Embiid is needed more as a scorer than as a defensive rebounder.
Embiid’s minutes will likely be limited for two reasons. First, the Kings’ fast-paced style can largely be countered with the Sixers’ smaller, more agile lineups. Second, the Sixers are sizable favorites and should be in position to rest Embiid if the game gets out of hand.
While Embiid has looked stronger and more athletic than he has in years, the organization is naturally wary of his career-long cycle of ramping up before stretches of missed time and nagging injuries. Ahead of the Milwaukee game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers called Embiid the most talented player he had ever coached, but also noted he never had him fully healthy in the playoffs. Nick Nurse hasn’t had that yet either, and the entire organization will be cognizant of managing his exposure when opportunities arise.
In a game where his minutes are limited, he also tends to focus more on maintaining his scoring rhythm and anchoring the rim defensively rather than doing the dirty work on the glass.
Embiid has recorded 10+ rbs in only 1 of 6 games this season in which he was a pregame favorite of 6+ points.
In these games, he is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 31 minutes per game.
The only game that he went over this number (by a half a rebound) was a surprisingly close overtime loss against the Nuggets.
🎯 PLAY: Joel Embiid UNDER 9.5 Rebounds (-140)