The Philadelphia 76ers are closing in on the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they have a tough matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night that could help them get there.
With a win and a Boston loss to Minnesota, Philly would even things in the standings tonight.
However, the Cavs (fourth in the East) are going to be a tough opponent. The key for Cleveland will be the status of Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell, who both missed the team’s game on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.
Mitchell is more likely to play than Allen, as the big man is dealing with an eye injury from a hit he took from Heat big man Bam Adebayo over the weekend.
Philly is a slight favorite in this game, but Cleveland is an impressive 28-7 at home this season. How should we bet on this matchup?
Sixers vs. Cavaliers odds, spread and total
Sixers vs. Cavaliers prediction and pick
Even though the Cavs are elite at home this season, this is just the second time that they are an underdog at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
That, and Allen’s potential absence have led me to betting on Philly to win this game.
The Cavs are the No. 1 defense in the league this season, but a big reason for that is Allen, who is one of the few players you may feel comfortable having match up with Joel Embiid in the NBA.
If he misses this game, the Cavs are certainly a little thinner depth wise, and this is the team’s third game in four nights.
Cleveland is 6-5 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs this season, but I think Philly (winners of five straight) has a slight advantage here.
I’ll lay the juice on the moneyline with the Sixers.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.