It looks like Joel Embiid should (emphasis on should) be able to go tonight for the Sixers after sitting out Wednesday's home loss to the Heat. Load management was the main reason for Embiid's absence, as he had returned to active duty the night before and delivered 29 points in a 118-116 win over Dallas. Embiid has only played in 14 games this season, and the Big 3 of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey should be together tonight for one of the rare times this campaign. Meanwhile, Detroit should have Cade Cunningham (ankle; but at morning shootaround) available after scoring 30 or more three times in four games the past week, and four of last five Pistons scorelines exceeded this 227.5. Play Sixers-Pistons Over

Love me some Tyrese Maxey for sure, but this is really high with Paul George and Joel Embiid both supposedly playing Friday. Just for a point of reference, Maxey averages 23.9 points this season in games Embiid plays. Maxey might be the better player now, but it's still Embiid's team. So he will lead in shot attempts most likely. Have to say I like this more than most props (so doom) at least on the surface. Our model has TM at 23.9. I now see the advantage of some of our experts living on the West Coast getting these early prop numbers. This will go down.

If Detroit's Cade Cunningham doesn't play, and he's questionable, then I think this is all but a done deal for Philly with its Big 3 set to play in a major rarity. Fine if CC does play but this will go way up if he does not, so why now. In addition, newly acquired Quentin Grimes should make his Sixers debut. Surprised the Pistons didn't add more before the deadline with all the cap space in the world. I mean, they got Dennis Schroder. Meh. That's like being at the roller rink in eighth grade and during the Girls' Choice (always terrifying) Gladys in the Holly Hobby jumper, coke-bottle glasses and constant nasal congestion picks you. I miss it ...