Surging Nuggets Are Home Faves vs Sixers

After cruising to a blowout win Sunday in Aaron Gordon’s debut, Denver (28-18 SU, 22-24 ATS) shoots for its 12th win in 15 games when it hosts Philadelphia (32-14, 26-18-2). However, the 76ers have covered 10 of their last 11 visits to the Mile High City.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Philadelphia’s loss to the Clippers on Saturday in LA dropped the Sixers to 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 as a road underdog, and bettors seem interested in fading Philly in the road dog role once again. At the time of writing, the point spread had moved to 4.5 at most sportsbooks, with some even listing the Nuggets as 5-point favorites.

Philadelphia News & Notes

Subpar outings have been few and far between for the Sixers lately, but Saturday’s 122-112 loss to the Clips can’t be a game that they’re particularly proud of. Philadelphia showed a lack of discipline throughout the game, committing four technical fouls — including a second consecutive ejection for Dwight Howard — and seeing Ben Simmons foul out with more than eight minutes remaining in regulation.

The 76ers also allowed LA to shoot 52.9 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from behind the three-point line. The 122 points allowed were the most Philadelphia has given up in regulation time since a February 15 loss at Utah.

Philadelphia, which is still an impressive 6-2 SU and 5-2-1 ATS in its eight games since losing Joel Embiid to a knee injury on March 12, could be poised for a strong bounce-back effort following a couple of days off to think about the loss to the Clippers. The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss and they are also 3-0-1 ATS in their last four when playing on two days’ rest.

Denver News & Notes

It didn’t take long for Gordon to fit in with his new team after being acquired from the Magic last week. Although he hit six of his nine shots for 13 points in 21 minutes Sunday vs Atlanta, the small forward’s presence was just as noticeable on the defensive end guarding multiple positions. The rest of the starting unit had no issue playing with Gordon either as each of Denver’s five starters were plus-17 or better in the Nuggets’ 126-102 rout of the Hawks.

Five other players scored at least 10 points on Sunday, including JaMychal Green, who netted a season-high 20 as the Nuggets shot 54 percent from the field. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. each cracked double digits in points and rebounds, with Jokic coming just two assists shy of a triple-double.

The Nuggets will play in front of fans at Ball Arena for the first time this season on Tuesday. Approximately 4,500 health-care workers and first responders will be in attendance as Denver seeks its 12th win in its last 15 games.

Betting Pick: Nuggets -4.5

Most of Philadelphia’s recent success without Embiid has come against opponents who are sub-.500 or missing top players of their own, but the star center’s absence should be glaring against Jokic and the Nuggets.