Magic vs. 76ers prediction, pick: Surging Philly laying too many points in home game vs. Orlando

The Philadelphia Phillies made it to the World Series. The Philadelphia Union made it to the MLS Cup. The Philadelphia Eagles are in the Super Bowl. Next up: The Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals?

Embiid had another monster game Saturday in leading the 76ers to a 126-119 home win over the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets. With that, Philadelphia improved to 20-4 in its last 24 games, including an ongoing seven-game winning streak.

The Sixers are now just 2.5 games behind Boston for the Eastern Conference lead heading into Monday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic.

Philadelphia owns a 10-game overall winning streak against Orlando and has won eight in a row at home in the rivalry. Last time Orlando departed Wells Fargo Center victorious: Dec. 2, 2016.

Throw in the fact that the Magic are 12 games under .500, and of course the Sixers are massive favorites in the first of two straight home games against Orlando. And of course our Magic vs. 76ers prediction sides with … the road underdog.

Odds updated as of 1:15 p.m. ET on Jan. 30.

• Magic +9.5 (at FanDuel)

Embiid was absolutely spectacular in Saturday against Denver. Going head to head with two-time defending NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, Embiid had 47 points and 18 rebounds in leading Philadelphia to a comeback victory.

It was Embiid’s 33rd career game with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds, and it absolutely was a statement performance for the 76ers’ star center, who finished runner-up to Jokic in MVP voting the last two years.

That emotional effort, however, is one reason why we’re fading Philly on Monday. As great as he was Saturday — and as great as he’s been all season — it’s difficult to see Embiid mustering the same kind of intensity Monday against lowly Orlando.

And that’s if he actually plays. Embiid continues to deal with left foot soreness that has bothered him all season. The 7-footer is officially listed as questionable.

However, after playing nearly 38 intense minutes Saturday and with another game against Orlando on Wednesday, it’s quite possible that Embiid will sit this one out.

Even if he does play, there’s no guarantee that the Sixers will cover this large point spread. Because even though they are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, the Sixers have just one double-digit victory during their seven-game winning streak. That was a 120-110 win at the Clippers on Jan. 17.

Also, since beating the Knicks in New York on Christmas Day, Philadelphia is a break-even 8-8 ATS (3-4 ATS at home).

Similarly, the 76ers haven’t been profitable when laying significant points this season. They have cashed in just eight of 18 games as a favorite of 5 points or more.

Conversely, Orlando is 16-7-1 ATS when catching more than seven points.

The Magic are coming off consecutive losses to the Heat (110-105 road) and Bulls (128-109 home). However, prior to getting blown out by Chicago as a 2.5-point underdog, they had been on a 7-1 ATS roll (6-1 ATS as an underdog).

Additionally, Orlando has been money on the road of late, cashing in four of the last five. That includes a 119-116 loss at Denver as an 11-point pup.

What about the Sixers’ dominance of the Magic in recent years? Well, Philly is 8-2 ATS during its 10-game SU winning streak against Orlando — including wins of 107-99 and 133-103 in Florida on Nov. 25 and Nov. 27.

Still, the Magic have been within double digits of the 76ers in three of the last six meetings.

More importantly, this Orlando outfit — which owns three outright wins this year over Boston, as well as wins over Golden State (twice), Portland (road), Dallas, Phoenix and the Clippers — is much better than recent versions.

So we recommend grabbing the big points with the Magic at FanDuel. And we recommend doing so quickly, because if Embiid (and/or other Sixers starters) don’t suit up, the number is going to drop.

Point spread: Magic (+9.5) @ 76ers (-9.5)

Moneyline: Magic (+330) @ 76ers (-420)

Total: 230 points

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