It’s the final slate of games before a nice break from NBA action (lord knows I need it). Fortunately, we’ve been on a tear that just hasn’t stopped! We’re 29-14 (67%) the last 17 days in NBA bets, and we won 42 units since Jan 1. Can’t hate on that! If you want my premium picks delivered to your inbox every day for a discounted rate (I’m giving away HUGE discounts for the rest of the NBA season), hit this link! Onto the free pick!
Sixers +6.5 (-110), 1.5 units: On paper this pick probably doesn’t make sense. That’s okay- we like it when public perception goes against us. The NBA is, as you’re probably all-too-aware, a very emotionally volatile league. Ups and downs and situational intangibles and inconsistent motivation are some of the prime factors you must consider when you’re handicapping NBA games. And we saw it plainly last night. As I implied on Twitter prior to tipoff, Wednesday was full of big favorites who had very little motivation heading into the All-Star break. And what happened?
The Rockets covered, and the Nets, Pistons, Lakers, and Blazers all won straight up. All dogs. All winners.
Tonight feels like a similar setup. Philadelphia is one game off an incredibly embarrassing loss, at home, against their division rival 2 nights ago. The Celtics won that game by an insane 48 points. YIKES. Yet these are the kinds of situations we like to capitalize on.
Boston was only 2 point favorites in that contest, and the Celtics have been surging. Now, 2 nights later, the same team is nearly 7 point dogs to a Bucks squad that can’t figure out how to play defense yet? Na- this is lined wrong.
Milwaukee is a little banged up and they’re coming off a solid win against the Pacers on Tuesday. They’re still one of the best teams in the NBA and they’re my pick to win the East once again, but this spot isn’t as ideal for them. If anything, the Bucks need to get healthy, get some rest, and figure out some better schemes on defense. They’re absolutely not in playoff form at this juncture in the season.
I expect Embiid and the Sixers to be locked in tonight. Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off a 50 point game and I expect him to cool off (I guess that’s the only option, isn’t it?), and Embiid is one of the only big-men that can slow down the Greek-freak. I expect a big game from Embiid after such a disappointing performance 2 nights ago.
Take Philadelphia and don’t look back.
