The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into Game 3 of the best-of-seven series against the Brooklyn Nets with a commanding 2-0 lead. As fans gear up for what promises to be an exciting matchup, Game-Time Sharks 76ers betting preview will explore the latest odds and betting strategies to help you make the most informed choices.
76ers Betting: Trifecta?
Setting Up the Game
On Monday, April 17th, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets in a low-scoring affair, 96-84. Game two was interesting, to say the least. In the first half, the Nets seemed to figure out how to neutralize one of the NBA’s premier big men in Joel Embiid by sending constant double teams at him from different directions. It’s clear that the Nets want the ball out of his hands and are forcing other members of the Sixers to beat them. Initially, this game plan was effective as the Nets would not let Embiid get a one-on-one matchup, especially in the post. This allowed the Nets to grab a five-point lead heading into halftime.
Fortunately, the second half was a whole different story. Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers actually decided to make an in-game adjustment of getting the ball to Embiid at the top of the key and finding the open man when the double team came. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, followed by 20 points a piece for Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. The most impressive stat of the night for the Sixers, however, was Joel Embiid’s 7 assists. The big man averages 4.2 assists on a nightly basis but was able to find the open man more often in this one due to the defensive game plan by the Nets. On the other end, Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges led the Nets with a combined 49 of the team’s 84 points.
“We want to win so bad. The emotions are high, the stakes are high.”
GAMEDAY REPORT | @NJMIns https://t.co/uneyWIZOli
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 20, 2023
Betting Lines and Prediction
With game three heading back to the Barclays Center, the Philadelphia 76ers look to stay hot in the win column while the Brooklyn Nets are looking to steal their first win of the season against this Sixers squad. After covering the spread in the series’ first two games, the Sixers remain the favorite heading into game three.
BetMGM: It’s Time To Change The Game
76ers: -4.5 ATS, -200 ML
Nets: +4.5 ATS, +165 ML
Total: O/U 209.5
The pressure is on for the Brooklyn Nets heading into game three of this seven-game series. I am interested to see how the Nets respond at home. In all honesty, the Nets looked completely gassed in the second half of game two. With Embiid willing to be a passer, the Sixers ball movement and ability to find the open man was exceptional. With the Nets scrambling on the defensive end of the floor every possession, they simply ran out of gas on the offensive end, leading to just 35 second-half points. The Nets were also outrebounded by 23 rebounds. To me, this shows the 76ers either wanted it that much more, or the Nets could not keep up with their game plan.
To cover the 4.5-point spread, the Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn will need to go deeper into his bench to find some rest for key starters Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Spencer Dinwiddie, who all played 41 minutes last game. Also, look for former Sixer Seth Curry or Joe Harris to provide some better shooting percentages off the bench.
For the Sixers, the game plan will not be any different than what we saw in games one and two. Philly leads the league in true shooting percentage (60.8%), 3-pt. Percentage (38.7%), and free throw percentage (83.5%). The key for the Sixers in this game three matchup is relatively simple. Take care of the ball and find the open man. The Sixers won by 12 points despite only shooting 31% from three and having 19 turnovers compared to Brooklyn’s 9. Due to the early success in game two, I do not see the Nets changing their defensive game plan, and I expect them to keep doubling Embiid when he touches the ball. As long as the Sixers continue to get these open shots after the double team on Embiid, I believe they have the upper hand. Remember, the Sixers will most likely face off with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, so expect them to try to close this series early to get some extra rest.
Pick: Not only will the Sixers win, but they will also cover the 4.5-point spread and take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Philadelphia 76ers (-4.5) (2 units)
