It's the second of a back-to-back for Dallas, which was upset Sunday at home by the Spurs. Kristaps Porzingis had a great game with 31 points and 15 rebounds and has had three straight double-doubles but will sit this one out. That's really enough for me to back the Sixers, who are healthy and on normal rest. Ben Simmons should be able to help slow down Luka Doncic somewhat as Simmons is a terrific defender.

This is a big spot here in the MVP race and I believe Joel Embiid is going to have his way against the interior of the Dallas Mavericks. The Sixers bounced back with a win their last time out. Doc Rivers knows his team has to give a strong defensive effort every night. If the Sixers can do that, they could really challenge the Nets in the East. In a big MVP spot here, Embiid will have a massive game.