In a new article series at Philly Sports Network, the guys over at Spreadin’ The Love are teaming up with some of our Philadelphia 76ers’ writers to bring you the best bets of the week. In their first two weeks of regular-season action, the Sixers literally showed their highs, mediums, and lows. Sure, there was going to be some growing pains with a brand new looking roster, however when the dust settles, which Sixers’ team can we expect to see moving forward?
We may not have the answer to that question quite yet, but we can give you some lock bets. Winning money makes any Sixers’ loss somewhat less painful as well. Make sure to check out the Spreadin’ the Love podcast as well to hear more in depth analysis about not just these picks, but some NFL bets as well.
Last week, every pick we put out in the article cashed for some solid money as well, so you won’t want to miss this week’s picks.
SIXERS’ SCHEDULE:
The Sixers will play four games this week. Each of these games will be pivotal, as it will help show if they are fakers who only beat up on the weaker opponents, or actual competitors who can take on some of the best in the league.
| Monday 1/4 at 7:00PM vs. Charlotte Hornets |
| Wednesday 1/6 at 7:00PM vs. Washington Wizards |
| Thursday 1/7 at 7:30PM at Brooklyn Nets |
| Saturday 1/9 at 3:00PM vs. Denver Nuggets |
RICKY’S PICKS
Sixers are for real
The Sixers absolutely dominated each of their games last week. After knocking off the Raptors, Magic, and Hornets last week, they moved to 5-1 on the season. Now, they aren’t going to go 4-0 this week; the Nets and Nuggets back to back are going to be a challenge. However, there is still good money to be made during this week.
I’m looking directly at Tobias Harris this week. He’s a streaky shooter, and after starting the season off cold, he’s on a hot streak right now. His line for three pointers made is sitting at 1.5 for tonight’s game against the Hornets. The value on this is incredible considering how he’s been shooting lately. Parlay it with the Sixers money line, and you’re looking at good value for an almost lock bet.
As for the other games, I’d look at the under in that Wizards game. The lines aren’t set quite yet, but last week, it was set at 230.5. The teams combined for 220 in that game. Embiid is also likely due for a rest game this week, and I imagine that comes before the big games against the Nets and Nuggets.
For the Nets and Nuggets games, I’m going to sit back and look for player props those nights. I’d rather watch those games for the entertainment, as they are booked to be some of the best matchups of the regular season.
SEAN’S PICKS
BEST BET: Simmons to have 13+ points, 6+ assists, and Sixers win
My book the line for Ben Simmons to have 13+ points, 6+ assists, and Sixers is +130 and I am going to take that literally every night cause I think he gets that more often than he doesn’t. The +130 is against the Hornets, and that value only will go up as they face tougher opponents as the week goes on.
With the added shooting surrounding Simmons, 8 assists should be something he hits on a nightly basis. He has averaged over 8 assists per game 2/4 years in his career so far (with just a shade under tin the other 2) and this year should be a career high. He is only averaging 13.5 points per game right now but that total should be expected to rise as the season goes on and he gets more comfortable. The more the offense continues to click the more Simmons stats will inflate and replicate this.
STEVE’S PICKS
Sixers’ Totals Galore
BEST BET: Totals will go under, over, over, under for the four games this week
Under for the Hornets game: This was a tough one to pick as the Sixers are coming off some of the best defensive performances I’ve seen from an NBA team, including in their last game against the Hornets. However, you’d expect the Hornets to make adjustments to their game plan, which could push the total to the over but I’m backing the Sixers defense here.
Over for the Wizards game: I mean after just looking for around 30 seconds at the Wizards’ past few games, every game has been a high scoring game and I can’t see that stopping when you have the likes of Ben, Joel, Westbrook and Beal on the court. No matter how high the over is set, you have to bet it.
Over for the Nets game: Once again, like the Wizards game, when you have Kyrie, Joel, Ben and Durant all on the same court, you have to anticipate lights out basketball and, although the Sixers have been great defensively this season, they’d have to be out of this world to stop this Nets lineup.
Under for the Nuggets game: This is another tough one but I went with the under because the Sixers have done well recently defensively, and the last 10 games against the Nuggets averages out to 207 points a game. The Nuggets haven’t struggled scoring this season, but they’ve struggled defensively which is why they’ve been losing games. I think the Sixers can shut down the recently average Nuggets offense. This game will come out similar to the average of the past 10 meetings.
ZACH’S PICKS
BEST BET: Tobias Harris o18.5 points
Tobias Harris has been on a role lately averaging 23.3 points over his last three games. Expect that trend to continue at least tonight against the Hornets. Charlotte doesn’t have anyone who can contain Harris nor Joel Embiid for that matter.
Why does the Embiid point matter?
Because if the Hornets can’t handle him one-on-one they’ll be sure to double the star center leading to plenty of open opportunities for an Embiid to Harris connection. I would take this over against both Charlotte AND Washington as neither team has the defensive talent to slow down Tobias Harris.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
