All eyes will be on Jimmy Butler tonight, just the way he likes it, as the Philadelphia 76ers open as 6-point favorites at Amalie Arena against the Magic. The arrival of Butler couldn’t come at a better time for the Sixers, as they are second in their division despite going 2-6 SU and ATS away from home. At the same time, Orlando is 2-6 SU and ATS at home this season, putting tonight’s contest up for grabs.
- The 76ers are 14-35 SU in their last 49 games vs the Magic.
- The total has gone OVER in the 76ers’ last six games vs the Magic (avg. combined score: 225.5).
- The Magic are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
Has Philadelphia Found the Potion?
Historically, Orlando has dominated this matchup, winning 35 of the last 49 games, but the teams have split their last 10 meetings and the Magic are actually 1-6 ATS in the last seven games in this matchup played in Orlando.
Interestingly, the Sixers have covered the spread in back-to-back games just once this season in 15 games and are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Both Teams Are Shaky on the Spread; How About Totals?
The total opened at 220.5 for this game even though the total has gone OVER in the last six games between these teams with an average combined score of 225.5.
Philly is 9-6 O/U this season and 5-3 O/U on the road. In fact, 11 of Philadelphia’s last 15 road games have finished OVER the closing total. The Sixers have the No. 10 scoring offense in the Association but are running up against the No. 10 scoring defense in Orlando.
Orlando is only scoring 103.93 points per game on average but its offense has been over 110 points per game against the bottom-ranked defensive teams, such as No. 23 Philadelphia. With the Sixers introducing a new superstar to the lineup, it’s quite possible that their defense suffers.
My Pick for Tonight
I’m going to take the OVER in this game. Public betting has started to push the total lower and can be found at 219 at the time of the writing of this article. I am going to keep an eye on this throughout the day to see what number I can get in at.
The addition of Jimmy Butler’s shooting and passing to an offense with Joel Embiid under the bucket is enticing to me for a high points total. Philly has three guys with 15 points per game or better already in their lineup in Embiid, JJ Redick and Ben Simmons, and Butler adds another immediate threat and could thrust Philadelphia to the top of the division.
When you combine that offensive prowess with a low-ranked defense on the road, against an Orlando team that has traditionally played Philadelphia tough, I really like the OVER up to 224.5 points.
