You have to wonder if San Antonio's second-string might be strong enough to beat the 76ers?

That question might be answered tonight when the 76ers host the Spurs because the possibility exists Gregg Popovich might sit out his starters, or rest older veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Obviously that would help the 76ers' chances of covering this large spread.

San Antonio played at Boston yesterday. The Spurs have far tougher games on this road trip coming Wednesday versus the Nets and Grizzlies on Friday. So Popovich's history of resting and reducing minutes of his starters definitely could come into play.

The 76ers shouldn't lack for motivation either way hosting the world champions and having revenge for a 100-75 embarrassment to the Spurs two weeks ago.

Taking advantage of inflated lines such as this, the 76ers have posted a winning spread record at home this season and are 7-2 ATS versus opponents with an above .600 record. Philadelphia has lost by 11 points or fewer in all but two of its last eight defeats.