Don’t look now, but the Philadelphia 76ers are just 3.5 games out of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they can gain some ground on the Boston Celtics when they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
The Nets are down Kevin Durant due to a knee injury, but they have figured out how to play without him, winning back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.
These teams played earlier this season in Philly, with the Sixers coming away with the nine-point win despite Durant being in the lineup for Brooklyn.
Joel Embiid (foot) is listed as questionable for this game, so his status will be important to know before betting on the Sixers.
How should we bet another game with Ben Simmons’ back in Philly?
Here are the latest odds for this primetime game and my pick:
Nets vs. Sixers odds, spread and total
Nets vs. Sixers prediction and pick
The Nets have been solid as road dogs this season, going 8-3 against the spread, including a straight up win over Golden State in their last game on Sunday.
However, I think five points isn’t enough in this matchup, as long as Embiid suits up for Philly.
The Sixers are an impressive 11-8-1 as home favorites this season, winning those games by an average margin of 5.6 points. With Durant out for Brooklyn, I’m not sure it will have the offense to compete with this Philly team.
It’s also worth noting that the Sixers didn’t have Embiid, James Harden or Tyrese Maxey in the last meeting between these teams and still won.
Over their last 10 games, the Sixers are 8-2 and have won five straight, posting the No. 4 offensive rating in the NBA. In that same stretch, Brooklyn ranks 24th in offensive rating.
I think the Sixers win this one going away on Wednesday night.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.