Going 3-1 SU since acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Philadelphia 76ers look to push their home winning streak to 10 games when they host the New Orleans Pelicans. The Sixers are averaging 116.2 points per game over their last four games and look to make some noise at the top of the Eastern Conference with their new all-star. The Pelicans are also riding a three-game win streak that includes wins over the Nuggets and Spurs.
The Sixers opened as 4-point favorites with a total of 236.6.
- The Sixers are 9-0 SU in nine home games this season.
- The Pelicans are 1-6 SU in their last 7 road games.
- The OVER has hit in 6 of the Sixers’ last 7 games.
The Jimmy Butler Addition is Paying Dividends
Say what you will about how Jimmy Butler handled his business while in Minnesota but he is balling out in a 76ers uniform. Butler is playing lockdown defense and is helping to alleviate pressure on Ben Simmons when he is driving to the basket. The Sixers are averaging 116.2 points per game since Butler’s arrival and when playing a team like the Pelicans that allows 116 points per game, they should easily reach that mark again.
One of the strengths of the Sixers is their defense as they rank in the top 10 in opponent field-goal percentage and three-point percentage but where they get in trouble is forcing turnovers, ranking 28th in that category at 12.3 per game. Another troubling part for Philly has been a tendency to let teams back into games as evidenced by their 5-4 ATS record in nine home games as their average win margin at home is only 7.3 points per game, with three of those wins decided by one point.
I think the Sixers will be in tough to win this game because Anthony Davis is a matchup buster and could give Joel Embiid fits. Davis may be one of a handful of players who can actually match up with Embiid and block his jump shot so the Sixers may be in fade territory.
Pelicans’ Road Woes Are Well Documented
At 1-6 SU in their last seven games on the road, the Pelicans have been hit-or-miss when bettors back them in away games. New Orleans’ only road win this month was against the Raptors but to be fair, the Pelicans have won six of their last seven games overall against some worthy competition like the Spurs, Nuggets and Raptors, who are all playoff teams.
Where the Pelicans have had trouble is on defense as they allow 116.8 points per game and rank in the bottom five in opponent three-point percentage. Their opponents’ production on the perimeter isn’t surprising because no one wants to drive in the paint to challenge the Brow.
I’m really liking the Pelicans to cover the spread and win this game because I think they have the best player and they’re 11-2 SU in their last 13 games vs Eastern Conference teams. The line may also shift more in the Sixers’ favor prior to tipoff so be sure to check it through the day to get the best value.
Totals Bettors May Want To Eye The OVER
The total opened at 236.5 and while that high figure may scare off some bettors, I think the OVER could be a decent option if you’re not feeling a spread pick. The OVER has hit in four of the Pelicans’ last five games with an average combined score of 240.4 points per game. The OVER has also hit in six of the 76ers’ last seven games so anticipating a high final score in this game would be recommended.
My Pick Is…
To take the Pelicans to cover the spread. I think New Orleans is a dangerous team and could give a team like the Sixers fits on the offensive end with players like Davis and Jrue Holiday, who are both averaging over 20 points per game. The Sixers will be a tough team come playoff time but this has all the makings of a Pelicans upset tonight.
