Nuggets vs. 76ers Prediction & Odds
The first-seeded Denver Nuggets travel to Philadelphia to take on the #2 seed 76ers on ABC Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM ET. Can the 76ers cover the 4.5-point spread as home favorites?
The Denver Nuggets are 34-15 on the season. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Nuggets are 25-23-1 ATS on the year.
The Philadelphia 76ers are 31-16 on the season. They’re 8-2 in their last 10 games. The 76ers are 26-20-1 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
523 Denver Nuggets (+4.5) at 524 Philadelphia 76ers (-4.5); O/U 234.5
3:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 28, 2023
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Nuggets vs. 76ers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 86% of public bettors are currently backing the Nuggets +4.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
There are multiple injury situations worth mentioning for the Nuggets. Small forward Michael Porter Jr. has missed the Nuggets’ last 3 games with a personal matter and he’s officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. Denver point guard Jamal Murray is also questionable for Saturday’s contest, as he’s nursing a left hip sprain. Murray and Porter Jr. have combined to average 35.3 points per game for Denver this year. Nuggets forward Bruce Brown is also questionable with a knee injury.
Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic didn’t play in Denver’s last game but he’s listed as probable for Saturday’s matinee showdown with the 76ers. Jokic is one of the best players in the NBA and one of the best options for DFS as well. The 6’11” Serbian national is nearly averaging a triple-double this season, posting 25.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game this year. He’s also shooting a sizzling 62.9% from the field. Jokic likely won’t come cheap in DFS but he may be worth it this weekend.
Philadelphia 76ers DFS Spin
The big story for Philadelphia is the injury status of star center Joel Embiid. Embiid is dealing with left foot soreness and he’s officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. Embiid has been the 76ers’ best player this season, averaging 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game on the year. If he’s unable to play or is limited that could be a big loss for Philadelphia.
If you need scoring and assists in DFS, consider Philly’s James Harden. The former MVP is posting 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game for the 76ers this season. If he qualified, Harden’s per-game assist average would lead the NBA. In his last 9 games, James Harden has recorded 7 double-doubles with points and assists. He may be in for another big day against a Denver team that ranks 15th in defensive efficiency this year.
Nuggets vs. 76ers NBA Betting Trends
Denver is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days’ rest.
Denver is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games against a team with a winning straight-up record.
Denver is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Nuggets vs. 76ers NBA Prediction
The Nuggets sat most of their best players for Wednesday night’s game with the Bucks, as it was the second night of a back-to-back. Four of Denver’s top six scorers didn’t play in that game, and that should mean that they’ll be fresh for Saturday’s contest.
The injury status of Joel Embiid will likely dictate how this game plays out. If he’s full strength, Philly has a legitimate shot at winning and covering this game. If he sits or is limited, I think the Nuggets are a good bet, even if Jamal Murray is unable to play.
The 76ers are currently on a 6-game winning streak, but they’ve given up at least 110 points in 5 of those 6 games. Additionally, 4 of the 6 wins during the streak were by 4 points or less. In the battle of former MVPs, I think Denver’s Nikola Jokic performs just a bit better than Philadelphia’s James Harden. I’ll take the Nuggets and the points.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: DENVER NUGGETS +4.5
