The situation with the 2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers doesn't look great. The franchise isn't on harmonious terms with one of its best players, James Harden. It's still almost two months before the NBA's regular season will be in full swing. However, NBA fans should be paying attention to what happens with the 76ers in the weeks ahead. For the time being, the betting odds have been holding steady with Philadelphia.
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Odds: Team Overrated
When I looked at the team last week, they were +625 to make the 2024 NBA Playoffs with bet365. Those betting odds are still available with the firm. That implies that the popular sportsbook has not taken in many bets against the 76ers despite the negativity surrounding the franchise. The team's OVER/UNDER for regular season wins is also holding at 50.5 and odds of -130 as of early on August 23rd, 2023. You would still think the UNDER and betting against Philly in general is the way to go.
In recent NBA news, the association decided to fine James Harden for his public comments earlier this month. NBA.com, in an official release on August 22nd, 2023, wrote "Philadelphia guard fined $100,000 by the NBA for his public comments on Aug. 14 and 17" (no author listed). Harden, the release reports, indicated "that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team."
What Should NBA Bettors Be Making of All This?
You have to be thinking something like this right now. Harden clearly isn't happy playing for Philadelphia. Yet, how could Philadelphia get something good in return for him in a trade?
Not only is Harden, who has an injury history, getting on in years but there has been trade drama for two consecutive seasons now. On that matter, NBA fans will recall the drama with the Brooklyn Nets from the 2021/22 NBA season. Any franchise that wheels and deals for Harden is gambling on his injury history, age (he turns 34 on August 26th, 2023), and commitment.
If Harden stays put in Philadelphia, then what happens? He's playing for a franchise that he doesn't want to be with. It's not clear how that works out but presumptively it could only cause challenges that could be pervasive.
Online sports articles about Joel Embiid possibly leaving Philadelphia are still being published. These kinds of debates are sometimes fluff from the traffic hungry. However, Richard Jefferson weighed in recently. Check out the embedded tweet below.
How can things work out in Philadelphia? At this point, I would conjecture that a rebuild for the 76ers cannot be far off. +625 on Philly missing the playoffs looks good. 50.5 wins this season looks pretty high.
