The Nets and 76ers are currently tied for the top record in the Eastern Conference at 37-17.
The 76ers are tied for the top spot with the help of arguably the league-leading MVP candidate in center Joel Embiid. Embiid is averaging 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists per game while simultaneously shooting the ball over 52% this season.
Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons also have major roles in the 76ers climb up the Eastern Conference ladder.
Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview: Next Man Up
When Kevin Durant got hurt for his two-month injury stint, who stepped up? James Harden, who made an MVP case for himself stepping in for Durant.
Now that Harden is hurt, it’s Durant’s turn to return the favor until Harden returns from his two-week hamstring injury. Durant has played in two games since returning from injury, and he played 20-plus minutes in each game. He scored 22 and 17 points in the two contests, adding seven rebounds and five assists in both games.
The Nets are 5-3 against the spread this season as the road underdogs, while the 76ers are 12-9 as the home favorite. Brooklyn is also only 4-6 this season on the second leg of a back-to-back.
After Monday night’s game against the Timberwolves was postponed, the Nets played Tuesday afternoon. They now have to play another game 21 hours after that one against one of the best teams in the conference. That’s a rough start to the week for the Nets.
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview: Embiid for MVP
The 76ers couldn’t have asked for a better season so far. They sit atop the Eastern Conference, have an MVP-caliber player, and more importantly, have no major injuries going into the home stretch of games.
Their core of Simmons, Harris and Embiid isn’t the only reason the 76ers are where they are. Key role players like Danny Green and Furkan Korkmaz spread the floor with their ability to shoot three-pointers while also being able to drive and score at the rim.
Philadelphia is a top five team in the league when it comes to covering spreads with a record of 31-23. The 76ers are 20-14 against the spread after a win this season.
This team is going as far as the NBA injury gods will allow them. If they stay fully healthy, the only three teams in the league that would give them a run for their money would be the Nets, Bucks and Jazz.
Free Pick
My free pick of the night is Philadelphia to win and cover.
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