The San Antonio Spurs have shown the ability to play the game whichever way their opponents like, including keeping their last four opponents to UNDER 100 points (average of 92.6) just days after playing a couple of shootouts with the Lakers. Tonight, the Spurs welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to AT&T Center with the home team Sportsbook as a 1-point favorite. The total opened at 225.5.
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the 76ers’ last 13 games vs the Spurs (avg. combined score: 190.85).
- The total has gone UNDER in the Spurs’ last four games (avg. combined score: 201.75).
- The Spurs are 13-2 SU and ATS in their last 15 games at home vs teams with winning records.
Sixers Have Struggled on Back-to-Backs
Philadelphia played in Cleveland last night and plays its third game in four days tonight. In the second game of back-to-backs this season, the 76ers are 1-4 SU and have allowed an average of 121 points against vs 109.0 points for.
Philly is shooting just 38 percent in this spot, well off its 46.7 percent season average, while opponents are shooting 45 percent.
December has Been the Spurs’ Best Month So Far
Through eight games this month, Pop’s boys have been their most productive on offense while being their most effective on defense at the same time. The Spurs are averaging 115.1 points on offense and holding opponents to 108.3 points per game. Both of those numbers are better than October and November results.
San Antonio is leading the NBA in field-goal percentage this month, shooting an unbelievable 51 percent from the floor in December. The Spurs are also the top three-point shooting and free-throw team in the NBA this season, accentuated by a 42.2 percent rate from three-point territory this month.
The defensive numbers are bolstered by the ability to keep their last four opponents below 100 points per game, leading to four consecutive UNDERs cashing for totals bettors.
My Best Bet for Tonight
I’m backing the Spurs -1 on home court. The Spurs are coming off a home loss to the woeful Chicago Bulls in what one might term a “trap game.” I fully expect them to rebound and come out hungry from the Sportsbook tip tonight.
Meanwhile, the Sixers’ numbers in back-to-back games are pertinent in combination with their No. 21 road scoring defense. Philadelphia relies heavily on Joel Embiid in the paint to make its offense tick. Embiid will be in tough against San Antonio’s sixth-best in the paint defense that allows just 37.3 points per game.
