The Denver Nuggets (19-16) clash with the Philadelphia 76ers (15-19) at Pepsi Center. The game will air on NBATV at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 216 points with Denver set as a 7.5-point favorite.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets ATS Prediction
In the 76ers’ last game, they were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-110. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Portland’s biggest advantages. They had 47 free throw attempts, while Philadelphia had just 14. Joel Embiid led Philadelphia in scoring with 29 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
The Nuggets lost a close one to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last outing, 128-125. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Denver. The Timberwolves had a rate of 5.5 (better than their season average of 11.8), while the Nuggets posted a mark of 7.9. Denver’s Trey Lyles put up 23 points and 10 rebounds in the contest.
The offensive glass should be a major edge for Denver in this battle. The Nuggets are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage at 27.3 percent. Meanwhile, Philadelphia ranks 12th in the league at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 77.8 percent.
Philadelphia comes into the contest with records of 15-19 straight up (SU) and 17-17 against the spread (ATS). Of the 76ers’ 34 games, 18 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Denver is 19-16 SU and 17-17-1 ATS. Unlike Philadelphia, just over half of Nuggets games have finished under the O/U total.
Lyles has averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over the last five games for Denver.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The 76ers won the last matchup 124-122. The 76ers’ 30.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Nuggets, who had a mark of 27.5.
Philadelphia 76ers at Denver Nuggets Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Philadelphia is 9-9 ATS on the road with 11 overs and 7 unders.
At home, Denver is 9-6 ATS with 8 unders and 7 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Philadelphia is 5-0 and Denver is 10-2.
When scoring more than 100 points, the 76ers are 14-12 and the Nuggets are 16-10.
Denver ranks first in second chance points per game (15.4) while Philadelphia ranks 19th in second chance points allowed per game (12.9).
The Nuggets average 16.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The 76ers rank last in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.4).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (26.1) while Denver ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
The 76ers rank seventh in points in the paint per game (47.0) while the Nuggets rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.4).
Philadelphia averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Denver ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Nuggets rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while the 76ers rank 29th (5.8).
Denver averages 30.5 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (29.5).
The Nuggets rank third in rebounds allowed per game (40.9) while the 76ers rank 15th (43.1).
Denver averages 14.1 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks ninth in fast break points allowed per game (10.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Denver is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.8, up from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nuggets have scored an average of 106.8 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 97.8 points per game (8.0 below their season average).
