The Philadelphia 76ers (42-30) will attempt to lengthen their six-game winning streak against the Denver Nuggets (40-33) at Wells Fargo Center. The game will air on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, March 26, 2018.
Philadelphia opened as a 5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 223 points.
Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Prediction
The Nuggets come in on a high note after topping the Washington Wizards in their last outing, 108-100. Denver’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Washington. The Nuggets had a rate of 9.7 (better than their season average of 13.2), while the Wizards posted a mark of 16.5 (above their season average of 12.7). Denver was lifted by Nikola Jokic, who put up 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The last time the 76ers played, they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-108. Philadelphia held the Timberwolves to an effective field goal percentage of 0.412 (below their season average of 0.527). Minnesota, meanwhile, held the 76ers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.9 (below their season average of 25.6). With 15 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, Ben Simmons led the way for Philadelphia with his ninth triple-double this season.
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this matchup. Philadelphia likes to play quickly (fifth in possessions per game), while Denver likes to grind-it-out (15th in possessions per game).
Denver heads into the contest with records of 40-33 straight up (SU) and 33-37-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Nuggets’ 73 games, 37 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 42-30 SU and 41-31 ATS. Coinciding with Denver, a little over half of 76ers games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jokic (22.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Nuggets while Simmons (12.8 points, 11.6 assists, 9.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals) has made great contributions to the 76ers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Nuggets lost 107-102, unable to cover as 7-point favorites. Jokic recorded 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. The game finished with a total of 209 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 213.5 points. Philadelphia had a better effective field goal percentage (0.527 vs. 0.443). Denver, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of making free throws (25-34; 73.5 percent).
Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Denver is 14-20-2 ATS on the road with 18 overs and 18 unders.
Philadelphia is 23-11 ATS at home with 18 unders and 16 overs.
Philadelphia is 18-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Denver is 13-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Nuggets are 34-23 and the 76ers are 39-18.
Philadelphia averages 26.3 assists per game, which ranks third in the league. Denver ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (24.7).
The 76ers rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while the Nuggets rank 24th (46.8).
Denver averages 17.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Philadelphia ranks last in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.0).
The Nuggets average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The 76ers rank last in steals allowed per game (8.7).
Philadelphia ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while Denver ranks 19th (12.4).
The Nuggets rank second in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while the 76ers rank 14th (12.6).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (46.9) while Denver ranks 10th (44.2).
The Nuggets rank 14th in blocks per game (4.8) while the 76ers rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.1).
Denver averages 30.9 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (28.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Denver is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Nuggets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 117.0 points per game (8.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
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