The Cleveland Cavaliers (49-30) visit Philadelphia to take on the 76ers (48-30) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against exceptional defense. The game can be seen on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 222.5 points with Philadelphia opening as a 3-point favorite.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Betting Prediction
The Cavaliers will be looking for a similar outcome after beating the Washington Wizards in their last contest, 119-115. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cleveland’s biggest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, while Washington went just 14 times. With 33 points on 12-for-20 shooting, LeBron James was the game’s leading scorer.
The last time the 76ers played, they beat the Detroit Pistons, 115-108. Philadelphia’s 11.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Detroit, who had a mark of 14.8. The 76ers’ mark was better than their season average of 14.3. JJ Redick led Philadelphia in scoring with 25 points on 10-for-13 shooting.
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this matchup. Philadelphia has preferred to play fast (fourth in possessions per game), while Cleveland has been more half-court-oriented (15th in possessions per game). Additionally, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency (111.0), while the 76ers rank third in defensive efficiency (102.7).
Cleveland is 49-30 straight up (SU), but they have a difficult time covering the spread (30-47-1 against the spread (ATS)). Games including the Cavaliers have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 48-30 SU and 47-31 ATS. 76ers games also have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Redick and Marco Belinelli have played well over the last five games for Philadelphia. Redick has averaged 19.6 points per game. Not to be outdone, Belinelli has put up 15.0 points a game during that span.
The Cavaliers have won two out of three against the 76ers this season, but fell short the last time these two teams met, 108-97. Cleveland covered as a 3-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 205 points, which was 17 points below the projected point total of 222 points. The 76ers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 20.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.184). Despite the loss, James was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Betting Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 17-22 ATS with 20 overs and 19 unders.
At home, Philadelphia is 26-11 ATS with 20 unders, 16 overs and 1 push.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Philadelphia is 20-0 and Cleveland is 16-3.
The Cavaliers are 47-17 when they reach 100 points, while the 76ers are 45-18.
Philadelphia averages 26.8 assists per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 29th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (47.2) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd (42.1).
Philadelphia ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.3) while Cleveland ranks 21st (46.7).
The 76ers rank fifth in second chance points per game (13.5) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (11.0).
Cleveland ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (5.1).
The Cavaliers rank 11th in steals allowed per game (7.4) while the 76ers rank 26th (8.6).
Philadelphia ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while Cleveland ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (31.6).
The Cavaliers rank 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.3) while the 76ers rank 27th (18.5).
Philadelphia ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while Cleveland ranks 11th (11.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 4-1 ATS with 5 unders.
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 1.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 114.8 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 99.4 points per game (5.7 below their season average).
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