The NBA playoffs are here and all eyes are on the most dominant player in the league, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re set to lock horns with the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round of the NBA playoffs in a series that heavily favors Philadelphia.
Sixers vs Nets Game 1 info
Who: Sixers vs Nets
When: 1PM Saturday, April 15th, 2023
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
How to watch: ESPN
Sixers vs Nets Betting odds
Spread: Sixers -8.5 | Nets +8.5
Moneyline: Sixers -350 | Nets +290
Total: Over/Under 214.5 points
Sixers vs Nets betting preview
It’s hard to gauge how these teams match up given this current Nets lineup has only existed for a few heartbeats. With that said, one thing has become inherently clear – Joel Embiid will still find a way to dominate. In his one game against the Nets as they are now, Embiid put up 37 points and 13 rebounds. He comes into the playoffs leading the NBA in scoring with 33 points per game along with 10 boards and there’s no reason he shouldn’t continue that run of excellence against the Nets.
On the other side of things, look for Mikal Bridges to make an impact for Brooklyn. He’s averaging a stunning 26 points per game and according to Mike Ortiz Jr. of Betway.com, has surpassed 30 points on 11 different occasions since joining Brooklyn. Keeping him contained is going to have to be a priority for the Sixers in game 1.
It is worth noting that the Nets, while a completely different team to the one we saw begin the season, are only 13-15 since trading Kevin Durant. While Bridges might be evolving into a player worth building around, keeping pace with a Sixers team that ranks 3rd in total offense will be no easy task and he can’t do it all himself. The Nets now rank 24th in offensive efficiency and that doesn’t bode well for a series with the Sixers and their explosive offense.
It’s also worth noting James Harden’s resurgence. His expertise on the floor helped elevate Joel Embiid to his MVP-level form, and his league-leading 10.7 assists per game have proved too much for most teams to handle. He’s the only player in the NBA to put up 20 points, 5 boards, and 10 assists per game this season. Look for Harden to keep the fire burning against his former team.
Sixers vs Nets betting prediction
It would be easy to back the ‘Sixers blowout’ here, but the playoffs can often throw up surprising results and I’m not sure I fully trust Doc Rivers to protect what could be a sizable lead going into the final few minutes. Instead, I’ll happily take the over here, knowing the Sixers are among the most efficient teams in the NBA and the Nets are going to have to do all they can to keep pace.
Pick: Over 214 points.
Sixers vs Nets betting offers
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
