Predictions and bets for 76ers v Blazers

It looks like another season with high expectations will end in disappointment as the 76ers try to move on after the news that Ben Simmons is out indefinitely with injury.

The Australian will undergo likely season-ending knee surgery which deals the Sixers title hopes a blow. Nevertheless, they’ll be trying to send a message to the haters in tonight’s match against the Portland Trail Blazers.

We look destined for a Western Conference play-in tournament with Portland and Memphis locked in a battle for the 8th and 9th seeds. A win today for Portland will effectively draw a line through other hopefuls in Phoenix, San Antonio, Sacramento and New Orleans.

Dimers' Suggested Plays

Lock: Trail Blazers Moneyline (-140*)
Spread: 76ers +2.5 (+100*)
Total points: Under 228.5 points (-110*)

Lock

The Blazers went down to the Clippers yesterday in a spiteful match that spilled over to social media with Patrick Beverley and Paul George engaging in a little trash talk with Portland guard Damian Lillard.

The Blazers had the upper hand for long stretches of the game yesterday and will be frustrated to have dropped it. Look for Lillard and co. to make a statement against a battered Philly team.

Spread

If you prefer to follow in Philadelphia’s good form without Simmons, who have won their last three, our model thinks Philadelphia can keep it close and cover the spread.

Total Points

The under is 2-0 in Philadelphia’s last two games as they slow the pace down and rejig their offense. Our model sees this being another relatively low scoring game.

Dimers' take-out

We really like the Blazers today with a fired-up Damian Lillard coming in angry after yesterday. Look for the Blazers to win straight out or take the under if you think Philly can slow Portland down on offense.

*odds are correct at time of publishing