NBA Basketball
2012-03-27 - Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 27 March 2012 - Tip Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers (27-22) looked well in control of the Atlantic Division, but are now in a fight with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics as the season winds down. They will hope to get back into the winning column as they host the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers (17-29).
Philadelphia have won just 9 of their last 24 games after a blistering start to the season, and they are just 2-5 in their last 7 games overall after a beat down in San Antonio last time out. They missed the presence of Andre Iguodala in that game, but the All-Star is expected back in the rotation for this game.
Taking care of the ball has been a huge plus for the 76ers all season, but they committed a season high 21 turnovers against the Spurs and the return of Iguodala is expected to fix that issue too according to Doug Collins.
A game against Cleveland seems to be coming at the right time as the team have lost 6 of their last 7 games, including 3 in a row. The last two of those defeats have come in blow-out fashion and they have admitted that they are just not playing like a good time right now.
Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson will both hope to have a better game, although both rookies have had decent seasons, especially Irving. They will be helped with the presence of Antawn Jamison who has escaped serious injury in the loss to the Phoenix Suns and will be in the rotation today.
Head to Head
Philadelphia have won the last 3 games in the series between the teams, including a 14 point win on the road earlier this season.
The 76ers won their last home game against the Cavaliers last season after losing 7 in a row, 6 of those while LeBron James was still with Cleveland.
Philadelphia are 16-11 against the spread at home this season, Cleveland are 13-9 on the road.
Philadelphia are 22-13 against the spread as the favourite, Cleveland are 20-16 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
Philadelphia are 12-3 against the spread in their last 15 games against a team with a losing record on the road.
They are 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 games against a team with a winning record of less than 40%.
Prediction
I am going to back the Philadelphia 76ers to come out and win this game while covering the spread for the following reasons:
First, Cleveland are just 2-6 against the spread in their last 8 games in the first of back to back nights scheduled.
Second, Philadelphia are 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 games as the home favourite of between 6.5 and 9 points.
Third, the 76ers have really taken care of business against the teams with losing records this season behind a solid defence and a deep rotation. They are 16-6 against the spread against sub 0.500 teams this season.
The Pick :
Philadelphia 76ers 96-84 Cleveland Cavaliers
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll take the Philadelphia 76ers -9 Points @ 1.95
