NBA Handicapping Predictions – Warriors vs 76ers
In a match up that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain scoring 100 points in a game the struggling 76ers (21-15) host the Golden State Warriors (14-18).
Venue/ Stadium: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Time/Date: 8 PM EST Friday, March 2, 2012
NCAA Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): OFF
Over/Under: OFF
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview
The 76ers have been a surprise this season currently in the 4th spot in the East, but they are coming off a loss and have lost 7 of their last 10 games. The Warriors are 3 games out of the 8th seed in the West and they are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
In their last games the Warriors beat the Atlanta Hawks 85-82 while the 76ers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 92-88.
This season the 76ers are 19-16-1 ATS with an O/U record of 12-23 and the Warriors are 16-16 ATS with an O/U record of 16-16.
The 76ers lead the NBA in defense and they will have to play well on D, as their offense only ranks 18th in the league in scoring and they have failed to crack the 100-point barrier in 19 straight games.
Golden State is not known for their defense, but they played good D in the win over Atlanta. They may have to repeat that performance if 3rd leading scorer Stephen Curry sits tonight because of a foot injury.
76ers leading scorer Lou Williams (15.5 ppg) has been ice cold as of late shooting 31.6% from the floor and averaging 12.3 ppg in his last 6 games. If Williams continues to struggle Jrue Holliday (13.5 ppg), Andre Iguodala, (12.5 ppg), and Elton Brand (10.1 ppg) will have to step up on offense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The 76ers have beaten the Warriors in 5 of their last 6 games including spanking them on the road 107-79 earlier this season.
With Curry likely out the Warriors will need solid games from Monta Ellis (22.2 ppg) and David Lee (19.1 ppg). If Philly can play good D on these guys they should win this game.
The key in this game will be if each team can execute their strength, as the Warriors like to run and gun and score while the 76ers like to slow things down and win with their D.
In some betting trends for this non-conference match up the Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than 60%, and they have an Over record of 9-3 in their last 12 road games.
The 76ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games, 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall, and they have an Under record of 6-0 in their last 6 games.
Jason’s Pick: Yeah, the 76ers are struggling, but in their recent slide they have played some legit teams, which the Warriors are not. The 76ers will get back on track tonight and they will win this game and cover the spread.
