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The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference matchup with everything on the line. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Pacers prediction and pick.
The 76ers hold first place in the Eastern Conference with a 47-21 record. They’re currently on an impressive eight-game win streak and aim to secure their ninth straight on Tuesday night.
The Pacers reside in ninth place at the moment as they hope to participate in the play-in game this season. After picking up a much-needed win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana elevated their record to 32-36.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening 76ers-Pacers odds.
NBA Odds: 76ers-Pacers Odds
Philadelphia 76ers -6 (-109)
Indiana Pacers +6 (-111)
Over 234 (-110)
Under 234 (-110)
Why the 76ers Could Cover the Spread
The top team in the East has been able to fend off the Brooklyn Nets for the top spot. They’re three games ahead and could clinch first place with a win and a Nets loss to the Chicago Bulls. For that reason, the 76ers will be going for the win in this one. That’s our early 76ers-Pacers prediction.
Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris make for an impressive trio that’s given the league fits. Philadelphia’s size is a real problem to deal with, especially for the Pacers in this matchup. Embiid is currently listed as questionable while Matisse Thybulle has been ruled out. Even so, Simmons and Harris are more than enough to take home the win.
Look for the 76ers to take it to the rack frequently in this matchup, as Pacers star center Myles Turner is ruled out as well. Philadelphia isn’t the best beyond the arch, so taking it to the paint should be their main strategy.
Why the Pacers Could Cover the Spread
Indiana might not win, but they have a legitimate shot at covering the spread. Most of their chances hang in the air of Embiid’s availability, but even then, the Pacers have the tools necessary to keep this one close.
Caris LeVert is an underrated scorer, while Domantas Sabonis has emerged as a top post player in the league. It’d be wise for the Pacers to use a balanced attack in this one to keep the Philadelphia defenders guessing. This would allow for LeVert and Sabonis to play to their strengths, as Malcolm Brogdon is questionable for this matchup.
It’ll be difficult for the Pacers to win this one, but with playoffs on the line, we could see a sense of urgency out of Indiana. If this roster can play as a team and get the ball moving around, they can find the open man and take high percentage shots. That should be the strategy Nate Bjorkgren queues up.
Let’s get to our 76ers-Pacers prediction and pick.
Final 76ers-Pacers Prediction & Pick
With or without Joel Embiid, the 76ers are a vastly superior team. The perimeter might be where Indiana is forced to play, as Ben Simmons and Danny Green have the ability to lockdown LeVert. Sabonis could be in for a big night, but he’s not someone that is capable of carrying a team to a victory. Look for the 76ers to possibly run away with this one.
FINAL 76ERS-PACERS PREDICTION & PICK: 76ers win 124-109 (PHI -6)
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