The NBA continues Friday night with this elite Eastern Conference matchup! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Cavaliers-76ers prediction and pick.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are starting to fall down in the conference as they have lost four of their last five games. They are (36-26) on the season but need to get back on track or else they will continue to fall. The Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets are right on their heels and with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving set to be back full time, the Cavs know they must get back on track now.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, they have moved up to 2nd in the East after surpassing the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week. Philadelphia contains a (38-23) record and has won four straight games. I think that the addition of James Harden is really benefitting this roster. Joel Embiid and Harden seem to be a great duo so far. This has the makings of being a very good matchup and a possible playoff matchup as well.
Here are the Cavaliers-76ers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers-76ers Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers: +7.5 (-112)
Philadelphia 76ers: -7.5 (-108)
Over: 216.5 (-110)
Under: 216.5 (-110)
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Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread
Cleveland still displays the No. 1 defense in the NBA in points allowed. They are allowing exactly 103 per game and holding opponents to just 44.4% from the floor. The Boston Celtics lead that category by allowing a 43% field goal percentage. The Cavs are coming off a disappointing loss to the Charlotte Hornets last time out. They lost by 21 points which is something they have done most of the season. This is arguably the most improved team in the conference and so they have had a lot of success this season.
If they want to cover this spread, they need to get back to the rhythm they were in before this slump. It starts on the defensive side of the floor for this team and they have two major tasks at hand tonight. They must contain Harden and Embiid or else the Cavs could get blown out again. This team relies on their defense to keep them in games so if it;'s not existent, then the Cavs don't have much going for them. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have to be on their game tonight as Embiid is playing like an MVP favorite right now. Darius Garland is coming off a 33 point game and so the All-Star must make sure the Cavs keep it close.
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The 76ers come into this game as the favorites at home and that is the right call. It's currently a seven and a half point spread which means it will take a comfortable win for the Sixers to cover. With the Way Embiid and Harden are playing, I find it hard to believe they won't cover this spread. The Sixers just spanked the New York Knicks 123-108 last game where Harden finished with 26 points and Embiid 27. The young star Tyrese Maxey contributed with 25 points as he has become a full-time starter for this squad. Those three combined for 78 points and if they are going to get that kind of production on a nightly basis, then the Sixers could very well be the favorites to make their way to the NBA Finals.
As for this game against the Cavs, they must find a rhythm offensively because this Cavs defense is elite. They start a unique lineup with Lauri Markkeanen at the small forward position with Mobley at the four and Allen at center. Kevin Love comes off the bench as mainly the only big man alongside Dean Wade. Cedi Osman and Caris LeVert are also crucial role players for this team but Osman is coming off the bench and LeVert is currently out for this game tonight. The Sixers just need to make sure the Cavs don’t control the boards and they should be in a good position to cover.
Final Cavaliers-76ers Prediction & Pick
I like the Sixers here tonight. It's a large enough spread where the Cavs could make it interesting, but with the way they are playing right now, I like the Sixers. Take the over here s well as 216.5 seems a bit low for this matchup. I know the Cavs are elite on defense, but I think this will be a higher-scoring affair.
Final Cavaliers-76ers Pick: 76ers -7.5 (-108) & over: 216.5 (-110)
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