Pelicans vs. Sixers NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, March 8 (Bet on NOLA)

The New Orleans Pelicans are getting a favorable matchup against a banged up Philadelphia 76ers team on Friday that has listed Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as out for this matchup. 

New Orleans holds the No. 5 seed in the West entering this matchup, and the team has won seven of its last 10 games. 

The Sixers, on the other hand, are in danger of staying in the play-in tournament conversation in the Eastern Conference without their two stars. 

How should we bet on this matchup? Here’s a look at the latest odds, key players and more for this game: 

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Moneyline

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Pelicans injury report

Sixers injury report

New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson: Williamson hasn’t had to do much with the Pelicans winning their last two games by a combined 78 points, but he tormented Toronto in just 26 minutes in the team’s last game, finishing with 16 points (7-of-11 shooting), eight rebounds and nine assists.

Philadelphia 76ers

Kelly Oubre Jr.: With Embiid out, Oubre has taken on a bigger offensive role for Philly. He’s averaging 14.4 points per game but has scored 21 or more in three straight with Maxey banged up as well. The Sixers wing hasn’t exactly been efficient though, shooting 7-for-21 in the team’s loss to Memphis. 

There are two extremely concerning trends for the Sixers in this game, and it relates to the absence of their All-Star.

Philadelphia is: 

Yikes. 

Maxey has missed the team’s last two games with a concussion, and Philly lost by five points to the Brooklyn Nets (who lost to the Detroit Pistons last night) and by six points to the Memphis Grizzlies (who have just 22 wins all season long). 

New Orleans is just 7-8 against the spread as a road favorite, but the team has put together some inspiring blowout wins as of late, giving me confidence that the team can win this game by nearly double digits and cover. 

Philly simply lacks the offensive firepower it needs to win this game with Maxey and Embiid out. 

Pick: Pelicans -8.5 (-115)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.