The Philadelphia 76ers (20-10) challenge the Washington Wizards (8-19) at the Wells Fargo Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers Betting Prediction
In the Wizards’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Toronto Raptors, 122-118, and failed to cover as 1-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (240) were over the O/U total of 229.5. One of Toronto’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 44 free throw attempts, while Washington had 32. Bradley Beal was the game’s leading scorer with 37 points on 12-for-24 shooting.
The 76ers got blown out by the Dallas Mavericks in their last matchup, 117-98, despite being 9-point favorites. The game’s total points (215) finished over the O/U total of 205. Dallas’ 0.205 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 0.133. The Mavericks’ mark was below their season average of 0.215, while the 76ers’ was below their season average of 0.197. With 33 points on 12-for-24 shooting, Joel Embiid was the game’s leading scorer.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the 76ers lost 119-113, unable to cover as 7.5-point favorites. Embiid had 26 points and 21 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 232 points, hitting the projected point total. The Wizards had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 19.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.289 vs. 0.234).
Washington holds records of 8-19 straight up (SU) and 14-12 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wizards’ 26 games that accepted bets, 14 have finished over the projected point total.
Philadelphia has a respectable 20-10 SU record, but they are just 13-13-3 ATS. In opposition of Washington, a little over half of 76ers games have finished under the O/U total.
The sharp-shooting offense of Philadelphia (eighth in the NBA with an effective field goal percentage 0.533) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Washington (30th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.563). The 76ers figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Wizards, who rank 24th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.7 percent), will face off against the 76ers, who rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (81.5 percent).
Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Washington is 9-6 ATS on the road with 8 overs and 7 unders.
Philadelphia is 7-6-2 ATS at home with 8 unders, 6 overs and 1 push.
Philadelphia is 10-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Washington is 2-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the 76ers are 17-5 and the Wizards are 7-19.
Philadelphia ranks second in assists allowed per game (21.2) while Washington ranks 28th (26.4).
The 76ers rank second in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Wizards rank 24th (14.3).
Philadelphia ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.9) while Washington ranks 27th (3.9).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.3) while the Wizards rank 22nd (46.3).
Philadelphia ranks second in steals per game (8.7) while Washington ranks 20th (7.4).
The 76ers rank 11th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.7) while the Wizards rank 27th (51.6).
Washington ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (35.2) while Philadelphia ranks 26th (29.7).
The Wizards rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while the 76ers rank 18th (16.9).
Philadelphia averages 13.6 fast break points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Washington ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (13.1).
In its last five games, Washington is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Philadelphia is 1-2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Wizards’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.4 points per game (5.8 above their season average).
