The Philadelphia 76ers will head to the nation's capital to take on the Washington Wizards in Game 3 of this first-round series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Wizards prediction and pick.
The Philadelphia 76ers were never threatened against the Washington Wizards throughout the first two home games and will look to carry their momentum into Game 3. Teams that are up 2-0 in the first round go on to win the series 94% of the time.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the 76ers-Wizards odds.
NBA Odds: 76ers-Wizards Game 3 Odds
Philadelphia 76ers -5.5 (-115)
Washington Wizards +5.5 (-105)
Over 227 Points (-110)
Under 227 Points (-110)
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The 76ers are 1-1 against the spread this series. They overcame Game 1 by single-digit margins before showing their true No. 1 seed dominance and essentially wrapping up Game 2 by halftime. Doc Rivers' men scored 71 points during the first two periods before winning Game 2, 120-95. It was the franchise's third-most points at halftime of a playoff game in the shot-clock era.
Joel Embiid is continuing to show why he is an NBA MVP finalist. He is averaging 26 points on over 61% shooting and has yet to play over 30 minutes in either of the first two games.
The Sixers' other star, Ben Simmons, found his touch in Game 2 and went 11-of-15 from the field. When Simmons has it going on offense, it takes this team to a whole other level.
Getting it done on both ends of the court. 😤 pic.twitter.com/uL7zLN3heW
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 26, 2021
The 76ers will look to carry over their momentum into Game 3 and put the rest of the Eastern Conference on notice with another imposing victory.
Why The Wizards Could Cover The Spread
The Wizards will be relying on the old NBA cliche that “a series doesn't start until a home team loses.” They should come out desperate with high energy in Game 3. It has become clear that they carried their poor defensive habits into the postseason and have no answers for the 76ers' offensive repertoire. They will need to rely on playing a fast-paced style of basketball and catching fire from behind the arc if they are to steal a win in this series.
Bradley Beal looked to be back to himself on the offensive side of the floor in Game 2, scoring 33 points on 50% shooting. However, he is still not 100% due to a hamstring strain and is a liability defensively. To make matters worse, Russell Westbrook also picked up a knock in Game 2 and was escorted off the court early with a sprained right ankle.
Russell Westbrook suffers a sprained ankle in the 4th quarter of Wizards-Sixers. 😔https://t.co/8xve5JhjxH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 27, 2021
According to Sia Insights, Scott Brooks and his crew are 7-1-1 against the spread in their previous nine games after a loss. That said, if Westbrook and Beal are both less than 100%, you might as well get some more popcorn out because Game 3 could get out of hand fast.
Final 76ers-Wizards Game 3 Prediction & Pick
The Wizards have been able to overcome adversity all season long. Still, with their latest injury situation and Philadelphia clicking on both ends, this series has sweep written all over it. Look for the 76ers to take care of business on the road and cover the spread without any issues.
FINAL PICK: Philadelphia 76ers -5.5 (-115)
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