The Philadelphia 76ers host the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center Wednesday for both teams’ season opener at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Wizards-76ers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Wizards at 76ers: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Wizards +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | 76ers -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Wizards +7.5 (-120) | 76ers -7.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Wizards at 76ers: Key Injuries
Wizards
- PF Rui Hachimura (eye) out
Get some action on this game or any other matchup with a legal, online bet at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV. Risk-free first bet up to $500, paid in free bets. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Wizards at 76ers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
76ers 123, Wizards 110
Money line (ML)
Let me start off by saying PG Russell Westbrook will improve the Wizards and I’d bet Yes on BetMGM’s Washington team special for the Wizards to make the playoffs. However, in the first game of the season, against a projected Eastern Conference contending 76ers team, I cannot take the Wizards to win outright.
It’s a PASS because I wouldn’t lay -275 in a regular-season game with the 1982-83 NBA champion 76ers let alone this team.
Against the spread (ATS)
New 76ers head coach Doc Rivers brings championship know-how and a much-needed gravitas to a Philadelphia locker room that has underperformed expectations since Trust The Process has gotten legitimate buzz.
Now, there’s a new process in Philadelphia as the basketball operations are under Daryl Morey’s guidance. His fingerprints are already on this team with the 76ers acquiring 3-point specialists SG Seth Curry and SF Danny Green this offseason.
The 2020-21 Sixers are an interesting mix that if blended correctly can contend for a title. As far as this game is concerned, there is enough familiarity with each other’s roster that I am cool laying a big number and BETTING 76ERS -7.5 (+100) for 1 unit.
Apparently, BetMGM is receiving action the other way as the Wizards are getting the steam so perhaps wait for it to head in Philadelphia’s direction and bet at a flat-7 should it come down.
Finally, I strongly favor Sixers G Ben Simmons in his matchup against Westbrook. Over their past three meetings, Westbrook has shot below his career average from the field while Simmons is averaging 20 points (on 63% field-goal shooting), 13.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game, according to LandOfBasketball.com. Westbrook is 4-1 in his career when playing against Simmons, but those were all on teams with much higher expectations and more talent.
76ERS -7.5 (+100) is the play.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over has cashed in six of the last seven meetings in Philadelphia and the Wizards had the seventh-highest Over percentage in the league last year. It’s not like defense is what Westbrook is bringing to Washington and the Wizards have a rookie starting in SF Deni Avdija.
There will be plenty of prolific scorers on the floor and an Over-friendly complement of 3-point gunners in both lineups. Let’s TAKE OVER 230.5 (-110) for a half-unit. (Personally, I prefer sides over totals).
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Also see:
- Sixers stars Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid react to James Harden trade rumors (Sixers Wire)
- Eastern Conference rankings (Hoops Hype)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]