The Philadelphia 76ers are heavy home favorites over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night as these Atlantic Division rivals play their first game after the All-Star break.
We build the blueprint for betting this marquee matchup on the NBA basketball odds board, from our favorite bets for the side and total to some quick-paying picks and prop plays.
BROOKLYN NETS AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (-8, 215.5)
QUICK HITTER
The Kyrie Irving saga continues for the Nets. One of the team’s two major offseason acquisitions is now out indefinitely because of a lingering shoulder injury. Irving has already missed 26 games this season and will not suit up against the 76ers on Thursday as the NBA post-All-Star break schedule finally gets underway.
Philadelphia won its last three games heading into the break and now has the NBA’s best home record at 25-2. Ben Simmons returns from his second All-Star appearance and is averaging 22.3 points, 10 assists, and 8.7 rebounds during the Sixers’ three-game winning streak.
The Nets also entered the All-Star break on a winning note with seven victories over their last 10 games. Brooklyn is 7-2-1 ATS in the first quarter over that stretch. Expect Philadelphia to have more of a post-All-Star hangover as two of their starters (Embiid, Simmons) both took part in Sunday’s game.
Prediction: First Quarter Nets +2.5
FIRST HALF
Brooklyn is currently clinging to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings as they prepare to make a playoff push without their leading scorer. The Nets are 8-12 with Irving in the lineup this season and 17-16 without him.
The Sixers are 24-30-1 ATS overall in the first half and 4-5-1 over their last 10 games, as they have struggled to get off to consistent starts this season. Brooklyn led 57-54 at the half the last time these teams played at Wells Fargo Center. Expect a similar scoreline in this game.
Prediction: Nets +4.5 First Half
TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Spencer Dinwiddie has scored at least 20 points in each of his last three games as the scoring guard will now shoulder the offensive load with Irving sidelined. Dinwiddie is averaging 24 points on 42.6 percent shooting in three games against the Sixers this season.
The last Net to register four 20-point games against Philadelphia in one season was Stephon Marbury (2000-01). Dinwiddie is a good bet to join this exclusive group and exceed his point total prop.
Prediction: Spencer Dinwiddie Over 21.5 Points (-104)
TOTAL BET
These two teams combined for 228 points in their last meeting at Barclays Center back on January 20. Tobias Harris had 34 points on 14-of-20 shooting as the game sailed over the relatively low total of 218. The Over is 2-1 in the three matchups between these two teams this season.
Philadelphia surged into the All-Star break with an impressive 110-103 win over the Clippers. The win featured a spectacular closing performance from Josh Richardson who scored 17 of his 21 points in the final quarter. It’s the most points scored in the fourth quarter by a 76ers player all season.
Richardson was playing in his third game back from a hamstring injury. With the shooting guard rested and back in the mix, expect the usually inconsistent Philadelphia offense to find a rhythm and help push this game over the number.
Prediction: Over 215.5
SPREAD BET
The Nets are 1-5 on the road against Atlantic Division opponents this season but luckily in this one, they don’t need to win, just cover. Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall
The Nets’ offense has been more efficient without Irving on the floor this season as guards like Caris LeVert have had a chance to shine. LeVert is averaging 24 points over his last five games and should have a favorable matchup in this game as Simmons will likely be guarding Dinwiddie.
Considering the inconsistencies Philadelphia has had this season with sustaining maximum effort, the Nets are a good bet to cover a big number as both teams get settled in after a long All-Star layoff.
Prediction: Nets +8
