76ers vs. Wizards Pick
Will the Philadelphia 76ers keep it close Wednesday night in their season opener at the Washington Wizards? Tip time is 7PM EST.
Oddsmakers at sports book Bovada.lv have listed the Wizards as a 7-point favorite against the spread. The over-under is set at 217.
Philadelphia went 28-54 last year, while Washington finished 49-33 and were elimination from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the Celtics in a 7-game series. The two teams split last year’s meetings 2-2 and the over-under was also 2-2.
‘The Process’ enters its most advanced stage this season as Ben Simmons is healthy again after the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft missed the entirety of last season with a broken foot. He’ll team up with the likes of Joel Embiid (20.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and Dario Saric (12.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) to make the Sixers one of the most promising young teams in the NBA. Also doesn’t hurt that they signed veteran shooting guard JJ Redick (15.0 ppg) to widen the court and provide leadership.
John Wall (23.1 ppg, 10.7 apg) and Bradley Beal (23.1 ppg) again lead Washington into action. Also shouldering the load will be Otto Porter Jr. (13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Marcin Gortat (10.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg).
Philadelpia is 1-4 ATS in its last five meetings at Washington.
The Sixers should be a much-improved team this year, especially in games where Embiid and Simmons are not rested. While the postseason might by a season or two away, it would not be shocking if this team exceeds expectations and at least challenges for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Washington probably will win this game, but expect the Sixers to cover the number and keep this game close.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA 76ERS +7