The 2021-22 NBA season is back! The Philadelphia 76ers travel southwest to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Pelicans prediction and pick based on 76ers Pelicans odds.
The 76ers can't keep themselves out of the news. The world has no clue as to what is going on with Ben Simmons. He is now suspended for Wednesday night's contest against the Pelicans. Whether he plays for the 76ers this year or not, they will still keep themselves close to the top of the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid is still a dominant force as one of the elite big men's the game has ever seen. The team signed Andre Drummond this offseason, so it will be interesting to see how he is utilized alongside Embiid.
New Orleans contains one of the better young teams in the league. Zion is putting together a great start to his career and Brandon Ingram is a scoring machine. The Pelicans acquired Jonas Valančiūnas this offseason, and he is a solid all-around center. The Pelicans are on the rise but do have a lot of work to do to put themselves into contention.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the 76ers-Pelicans odds for Wednesday night’s matchup.
NBA Odds: 76ers-Pelicans Odds
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Philadelphia 76ers: -3 (-110)
New Orleans Pelicans: +3 (-110)
Over 225 (-112)
Under 225 (-108)
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The 76ers can cover the spread because they are one of the better teams in the NBA. The news of Ben Simmons is a clear distraction, but the players are moving on and should still contend this year. They will be without Simmons Wednesday night, but should still play well against the Pelicans. Tyrese Maxey is a rising star in the NBA and should take over guard duties with Simmons out. Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, and Danny Green will also step up.
The 76ers deploy one of the better defensive rosters. The Pelicans are a great shooting team and should find a way to nail shots. It will be on the 76ers to continue to defend and control the rebounds if they want to stop them. When the 76ers are at their best, there really isn't a whole lot they can't do. Philadelphia usually starts the season playing very well, and should do the same this year.
Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread
New Orleans finished the 2020-21 season ninth in scoring at 114.6 ppg. There aren't many teams that can stop this offense, but the 76ers do put up a great chance. If the Pelicans are going to cover, then they will need to take advantage of the Simmons suspension and attack the Philadelphia guards. The Pelicans know what they need to do in order to be successful, they just need to go out and execute. Zion Williamson will be out Wednesday night according to the team. This puts a dent in their expectations and the team will need to rely on Ingram to step up and play lights out.
The Pelicans will be up for a tough task Wednesday night. They can score but the defense isn't there yet. Valančiūnas can help improve it, but they were 24th in opponent points per game last season at 114.9. Defending Embiid is nearly impossible and if they can contain him, then they can be right in the game.
Final 76ers-Pelicans Prediction & Pick
The 76ers should open the season strong despite all the distractions. Philadephia should control the boards and will defend well all night. Without Williamson for New Orleans, I can't see them keeping up for the full 48 minutes. If the Pelicans can find their rhythm early, however, then it should be a battle all night long.
FINAL 76ERS-PELICANS PICK: Over 225 (-112)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: 76ers 115 – Pelicans 112
Follow Us
Subscribe