The 76ers are hosting the Trail Blazers on Sunday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Portland is favored by 8.5 points and this game carries a total of 228.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick.
76ers vs. Trail Blazers Preview
The No.9 seeded 76ers are trying to stay afloat right now as they deal with many key injuries. The team’s big three of Joel Embiid (oblique), Tyrese Maxey (finger) and Paul George (suspension) have missed four in a row and will remain sidelined tonight. Albeit against the Grizzlies last Tuesday and the Nets last night, Philadelphia has won two of these past four games.
VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards have been the 76ers’ main scorers, and should continue to be tonight. Philadelphia could be shorthanded up front, though, as Adem Bona (back) and Andre Drummond (back) are both questionable. If one is active and the other isn’t, that active player should start at center. If both are inactive, the 76ers will likely start Dominic Barlow at center again. The veteran got the start at center with both Bona and Drummond inactive this past Thursday vs. the Pistons and Detroit ran away with a 131-109 win.
The 76ers have been one of the best teams in the league on the second night of back-to-back sets this season, with a 10-3 record and they didn’t have to travel after beating the Nets at home last night. So, Philadelphia playing it’s second game in two nights isn’t much of a concern, but this team’s group of healthy players obviously is. Even with Maxey active, the 76ers lost the Trail Blazers in Portland 135-118 last month. Philadelphia should put up a fight and win isn’t out of the question, but the more healthy and more rested Trail Blazers are in a better position to win this game.
Portland is 32-35 and is hanging onto the last Play-In Tournament spot in the Western Conference as the No.10 seed. The club last played Friday, when the club beat the Jazz 124-114, marking the Trail Blazers’ second win in their last three. Deni Avdija (back) has played in each of these past three after missing six in a row, which is a big deal, as the 25-year-old is in the midst of a career season and is the frontrunner for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Avidja is averaging 24.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. Veterans Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are both healthy again as well. Portland is 11-11 when Avidja, Holiday and Grant are active and the team owns a +2.3 net rating with these three players on the floor this season.
76ers vs. Trail Blazers Pick, Best Bet
The Trail Blazers are an impressive 10-4 SU as an away favorite this season and they should get their second win of the season over the 76ers tonight.
Portland has covered in two of it’s last three since Avidja returned and the Trail Blazers are a solid bet to cover this 8.5-point spread.
