NBA Basketball
2012-04-23 - Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Monday 23 April 2012 - Tip Off 7:30pm ET
12:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
It is the final home game for the New Jersey Nets (22-42) before they move into their new home in Brooklyn from next season and it is going to be a day of celebration for them. One team that will be looking to spoil the party is the Philadelphia 76ers (33-30) who can cement their place in the Play Off with a win.
Philadelphia still have a chance to overtake the New York Knicks for the Number 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, although a First Round meeting with either the Chicago Bulls or the Miami Heat is in the offing.
They currently lead the Milwaukee Bucks by 3 games for the final spot in the Eastern Conference so they will look to wrap up their berth ahead of the game against the Bucks on Wednesday night. The 76ers have won back to back games at Cleveland and Indiana and could win 3 in a row for the first time since early March.
The Nets are going to be honouring a number of their former players, but recent history in New Jersey has been disappointing to say the least. They have missed the Play Offs for 5 straight seasons since 2007, while they look increasingly unlikely to bring a superstar with them to Brooklyn.
New Jersey failed in a bid to trade for Dwight Howard (so far), while Deron Williams is set to test Free Agency this Summer and has the likes of Dallas, his home town, very interested and with the cap space to make a deal.
Williams is set to miss out tonight and could already have played his last game for the Nets. The likes of Brook Lopez and Jordan Farmar are also missing as the Nets finish their home regular season.
Head to Head
The New Jersey Nets are 2-1 against the Philadelphia 76ers this season, both straight up and against the spread, although they are 0-1 here.
The 76ers have won their last 5 road games in New Jersey, and have covered the number in their last 3 visits.
New Jersey are 10-21-1 against the spread at home this season, Philadelphia are 15-15 on the road.
New Jersey are 21-27-1 against the spread as the underdog, Philadelphia are 26-20 as the favourite.
Other Interesting Trends
New Jersey are 5-13 against the spread in their last 18 games as the home underdog given between 5 and 10.5 points.
They are 8-19 against the spread in their last 27 Divisional games.
Philadelphia are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games as the road favourite of 5 to 10.5 points.
They are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games against a team with a losing record at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the Philadelphia 76ers to cover the spread and book their place in the Eastern Conference Play Offs for the following reasons:
First, Philadelphia have won on their last 5 visits here including a 19 point win here earlier in the season.
Second, New Jersey should be an emotional place tonight as the place says goodbye to the franchise before they move to Brooklyn. It might be a bit much for a team that has nothing to play for, while the 76ers are only focused on grabbing the W.
Third, the 76ers have been good against the weaker teams in the NBA, going 20-9 against the spread in that spot this season.
The Pick :
New Jersey Nets 93-104 Philadelphia 76ers
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Philadelphia 76ers - 9.5 Points @ 1.92
