Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets betting tips and predictions for Thursday’s NBATV game. Philadelphia looks to end a 5-game losing streak as they head to Denver to take on the Nuggets. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Philadelphia 76ers
When we looked at the calendar and marked this game down it was supposed to be a duel between two of the best centers in the NBA from last season, but now only one of those will be available in tonight’s game. Joel Embiid continues to be out for the 76ers indefinitely as he is still recovering from covid-19. Without him the Sixers look lost out there and stand no chance against most teams they go up against. They’ve gone 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games and their latest defeat came against the Utah Jazz where they lost 120-85. Embiid is not the only player out for the 76ers. Danny Green, Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle are still all out, so it could be a while before we see the Sixers back to normal.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets also have their own injury issues this season, but luckily for them their best player Jokic isn’t one of those players. The MVP had 35 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists against the Mavericks the other night, but his team fell short 111-101 against in-form Dallas. Tonight’s game should be a lot easier though as Denver is on a 6-game win streak at home and has beaten Philadelphia in 2 of the last 3 meetings. One minor thing that could hinder them could be the absence of Will Barton though, he has been listed as “doubtful” due to a back issue. With Michael Porter Jr. being out for a longer period of time, the Nuggets need players to step up. Barton has been one of those players and recently had a 30 point game against Indiana.
This Sixers team is trying it’s best, but the injury bug has ruined them for most of November. Losing by 35-point against the Utah Jazz was very telling, the Nuggets are a very similar team and are the number one defense in the NBA. When your entire offense depends on just one guy and he is out, you are in trouble most of the nights in the NBA. I have a feeling that will be the case tonight as well, so let’s back the Nuggets to get the job don here. Denver to cover.
Denver Nuggets – Philadelphia 76ers Odds
Denver Nuggets – Philadelphia 76ers Predictions
Nuggets -8.0 Point Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
According to NBA stats & info, this will be a battle of two of the slowest paced teams in the NBA this season. Philadelphia ranks dead last with just 94.7 possessions per game, while the Nuggets are just 2 slots above them with 98 per game. Without Embiid the Sixers have had some decent scoring nights, but those were against mostly mediocre defensive teams. The Nuggets are the number one defense in the NBA holding teams to just 98.9 points per game. At Ball Arena teams are scoring just 93.6 points per game this season, which is 1990s NBA defenses level. The under has been the bet for most of Denver’s games this season, 10 of the 14 they’ve played so far have cashed on that bet, including 4 of their last 5 vs Eastern Conference teams. Philadelphia is just too injured right now, I’m opting for the under in this one.
Under 209.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
