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The Brooklyn Nets travel to the city of brotherly love to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday Night! It's time to continue our NBA odd series with a Nets-76ers prediction and pick.
This is the first matchup between the Nets and the 76ers since the mega-blockbuster deal that sent James Harden and Paul Millsap to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round draft picks. Harden will take the floor for the 76ers, while Simmons is still out, recovering from a back injury suffered during the second-round playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks last June. However, Simmons will be present, as he will sit on the bench with the team in his return to Philadelphia for the first time since the 76ers traded him.
The 76ers are coming off a 121-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls and riding a great ten-game stretch, where they have gone 9-1. Embiid led the way for them with a monster game, scoring 43 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and blocking three shots. The 76ers are also 5-0 whenever Harden has suited up. On Tuesday, the Nets finally snapped a four-game losing streak, making headway with an impressive 132-121 road win over the Charlotte Hornets. Kyrie Irving led the way with 50 points, shooting 15 for 19, including a scorching nine 3-pointers.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Nets-76ers odds:
NBA Odds: Nets-76ers Odds
Philadelphia 76ers: -4.5 (-110)
Brooklyn Nets: +4.5 (-110)
Over: 234.5 (-110)
Under: 234.5 (-110)
Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
The Nets will have their dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant ready to go as they travel to Philadelphia. While the Nets have been mediocre as a whole, going 3-33 this season, they have been solid on the road. They are currently 20-15 on the road, and a lot of that has had to do with Irving. He has played 17 games this season, all on the road, and is averaging 26.2 points per game, while also rounding out to 4.6 rebounds per game. Mix in the fact that he averages 5.6 assists a game, and this is a superstar player that has determined the outcome of many games. As a whole, Durant leads the team with 29.1 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game. Despite these two, they are still missing some pieces, as LaMarcus Aldridge will sit out due to an ailment. This likely means that Andre Drummond will get a bigger opportunity to shine, as he has been solid on the boards, grabbing 9.4 rebounds per game.
The key for the Nets winning tonight is controlling the boards. That is where Durant and Drummond will come into play. If they can take advantage of the one weakness the 76ers have (29th in rebounds), then they have a chance to take them down on their own home court. That means stopping Embiid, which is not an easy task. Irving has to get into a rhythm to control the pace of the game.
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The 76ers are rolling lately, especially after a statement win over the Bulls. They have the hotter team and currently sit at 40-24, good enough for third in the Eastern Conference. Embiid has led the 76ers, and the NBA, in scoring averaging 29.7 points per game. Harden brings his scoring touch to the table, averaging 22.5 points per game. He has been a vital asset for the 76ers, delivering a victory every time he has been on the floor. Now he faces his former team for the first time and has Embiid by his side.
The key for the 76ers winning is controlling the tempo, and using their strengths to their advantage. With Embiid, they have the force that is capable of grabbing down rebounds, and not allowing the Nets to gain second chances. Harden gives them the ultimate playmaker that can hit 3-pointers, while also converting free throws in important situations down the stretch. Add to the fact that the 76ers currently are healthier than the Nets, and it gives them an edge.
Final Nets-76ers Prediction and Pick
The Nets have won two of the three games these teams played this season, and two of those games were without Irving available. The 76ers won the last matchup between the two on December 30th, 2021, in a game in that Irving was unavailable, due to vaccine status. Now, the tables have turned, and Irving will play. But all three of these games have not been under five points this season. Couple that with the fact that the 76ers are healthier, and I feel comfortable taking them with the spread.
Final Nets-76ers Prediction & Pick: 76ers -4.5 (-110)
