The Philadelphia 76ers have been nearly unstoppable at home this season, which has kept them among the top team in the Eastern Conference despite some road woes. Philly is at home again this week in a tough game against the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers have found a groove lately and are right on the heels of the 76ers in the standings. However, the location of this game should make Philadelphia the favorite, even if it doesn’t have the services of a top player. There is still a lot to figure out in the East this year and the Pacers would love to pull the upset to enter the discussion of the conference’s best.
The 76ers don’t want that to happen as they are aiming to push up the standings as well in NBA odds.
This NBA basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m ET on Friday, December 14th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Pacers have won four in a row and eight of their past 10 to move to 17-10 on the season. They have played in 14 games on the road this season, winning eight of them.
The 76ers are 19-9 on the season. They have played 15 home games and have won 14 of them. Every other team has lost at least two home games this season and Philadelphia will look to remain red hot in the friendly confines of its home arena.
The Pacers have the stingiest defense in the NBA so the scoring total should be lower than most games in NBA gambling.
Injury Report
Philadelphia standout Jimmy Butler injured his groin on Monday night against the Pistons and missed the final three quarters. An MRI showed no structural damage, which is very good news for the team. Butler was acquired early in the season and he has been a big help for the 76ers.
Philadelphia started slowly but has gone 10-3 since adding Butler. He is averaging 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game on the year and has played his trademark tough defense. Keep a close eye on Butler’s availability, as his absence would be a big blow for the 76ers.
The Pacers could also be without one of their key players. Victor Oladipo has been out for an extended stretch with a knee injury. He is averaging 21.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this year. Oladipo is ramping up in practice but may not be ready to go for this one.
Player To Watch
Myles Turner -- The 76ers have a dominant big man in Joel Embiid, and the Pacers have to try to keep him in check. Turner is a very good defensive player, as he is averaging 2.81 blocks per game. Turner will be patrolling the paint and if he can clog it up and force the 76ers to shoot from the perimeter, it will play right into Indiana’s hands.
The Pacers don’t have a lot of dominant scorers so they play a team game, and Turner’s defense is a big part of that.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Pacers are a good team and should be able to keep this one nip and tuck throughout. However, the 76ers have a pair of stars in Embiid and Ben Simmons. They should be able to lead the way to the victory, although Indiana could be the pick to cover the spread if it comes in too big in NBA odds.
The Pacers will dictate this pace and the game will be low-scoring.
NBA ATS Pick: Philadelphia 76ers 103, Indiana Pacers 99
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