New York Knicks (27-48 SU, 36-39 ATS) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (43-30 SU, 41-30-2 ATS)
Time: Wednesday, March 28th, 2018 7:05 PM EDT
Where: Wells Fargo Arena Philadelphia, PA
TV: MSG / TSN
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds
Point Spread: Philadelphia -12.5
Total Line: 221
In this market, the 76ers opened as a 14-point favorite. Since then, we have seen the line move downward by 1.5 points to indicate action has come in on the Knickerbockers. In Over/Under markets, the market has remained stationary at the opening figure of 221. On the Money Line, expect to pay up if you wish to back Philadelphia. The Sixers are a -1200 home favorite whilst the Knicks are priced as a +775 road pup.
The Philadelphia 76ers will host their arch-rivals from the Big Apple as they square off with the New York Knicks in an Atlantic Division melee set to take place at the Wells Fargo Arena. The contest will come live from the City of Brotherly Love at the Wells Fargo Arena. This rivalry series has been dominated by the Sixers as of late, as they have won every game this season. Philadelphia has won their last three contests between the two adversaries. Most recently, Philly rolled New York on their home court by a score of 118-100. While the win was attained in the confines of Madison Square Garden, Philly failed to foster a cover for the first time in seven consecutive games. The contest has a tip-off time scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and is scheduled to be televised on both MSG and TSN.
From a betting trend perspective, there are two noteworthy agents in the mix here that we have to pay attention to. On the road, New York is 9-30 SU. At home on their home court, Philadelphia is 25-10 SU. Unlike most teams with home court advantage, Philadelphia takers have greened up when the Sixers at home. The Sixers are 24-11 ATS in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia holds an emotional edge in this series. This edge is by the fact, the Sixers have taken it to the Knicks all season long. The dominance that Philly has enjoyed is something that can fuel this team to a victory even by the number offered. The Sixers are considered by some to be a true threat to go deep in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. A win here will only further fuel their momentum as they prepare for the post-season.
The Knicks have little to play for at this point. New York has cultivated yet another disappointing campaign as they have long been eliminated from playoff contention. This match is the kind of game where New York will work in their substitutes to get some playing time. Nevertheless, for the sake of a moral victory, the Knicks can show up here and try to pick up a win against one of their biggest enemies in the league. The New York-Philadelphia rivalry is a potent one, and bragging rights carry a weight of their own.
From a public money vantage, the Sixers are currently taking 86% of the cash action and 71% of the ticket action. In the Over/Under, we have seen 80% of the cash and 55% of the ticket action on the Over.
A practice we preach is the element of buying low and selling high. Given the different directions that these two teams have continued to travel in, this scenario sets up perfectly to get the Knicks at a great price while overpaying for Philly if one elected to do so. The number here is not friendly for a wide array of reasons. First, there is always the element that New York shows up and gives Philadelphia a game. In which case, Sixers takers will be exposed to a hostile number. Second, should Philadelphia decide to call off the dogs at one point, there is plenty of wiggle room for the Knicks to come through the back door.
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