76ers @ Pelicans tips, picks and prop bets: Philly for the win, Joel Embiid points, Tyrese Maxey threes
The Pelicans have won three of five to improve to 9-9 on the season but they’re fresh off of back-to-back losses against Utah Jazz.
The Pels have covered the spread in each of their last five home games, a run which saw them beat the shorthanded Kings twice.
The 76ers should be well rested as they’ve enjoyed at least a day off after each of their last three games as they look to build another winning run.
Now 12-5 on the season, Philly won in Oklahoma by four before returning home to trounce the Los Angeles Lakers 138-94.
It’s interesting to note that they’re on a 6-2ATS run after scoring 125+ points in their previous game and 5-2ATS after a win of 10+ points.
Joel Embiid dominated the game with a 30-point triple-double while Tyrese Maxey dropped 31 and three others contributed double digits.
Led by Zion Williamson with 26 and Brandon Ingram with 25, The Pelicans shot a solid 50% from the field in their 114-112 loss to Utah.
They didn’t do a lot wrong but it was Utah’s assault from three-point range that separated the teams. The Jazz made good on 17 of 48 from distance compared to New Orlean’s seven of 22.
There’s a good chance CJ McCollum returns for the host on Wednesday but he’ll be subject to a minutes restriction and that presents its challenges.
The 76ers are 43-21ATS as a favourite and 10-4ATS in road games. They’re also on an 8-2 winning run against New Orleans, which is significant given the spread.
The 76ers are just -1 at the time of writing which is a big drop off from the average of -5.5 across the last 10 meetings. We think New Orleans is getting too much respect.
76ers @ Pelicans prop bets
New Orleans rank ninth in defensive field goal percentage and Joel Embiid has only beaten the posted total once in seven games.
Zion Williamson is averaging 2.9 turnovers per game this season and will come under fire against a top-five defence.
Tyrese Maxey can get hot from downtown but it’s worth noting the Pelicans are the best three-point defence in the NBA this season.
