NBA Picks: Sixers vs. Cavaliers 3/16/22

Philadelphia 76ers (41-26 SU, 33-34-0 ATS) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-29 SU, 38-27-3 ATS)
When: Wednesday March 16 2022, 07:00 PM (ET)
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: NBCSP

Point Spread: PHI -4/CLE +4 (Opened PHI -3 at BetNow)
Total: 217.5 (Opened at 217)
Money Line: Philadelphia -174/Cleveland 145
Power Rating:

Probable Starting Lineups

Philadelphia 76ers PG James Harden, SG Tyrese Maxey, SF Matisse Thybulle, PF Tobias Harris, C Joel Embiid

Cleveland Cavaliers PG Darius Garland, SG Isaac Okoro, SF Lamar Stevens, PF Lauri Markkanen, C Evan Mobley

Key Injuries

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has no reported injuries at this time.: Philadelphia has no reported injuries at this time. (Philadelphia has no reported injuries at this time.)

Cleveland Cavaliers
Dean Wade: Knee (OUT)
Rajon Rondo: Ankle (OUT)
Jarrett Allen: Finger (OUT)
Collin Sexton: Knee (OUT)

The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:00 PM ET at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Recent Form

The Philadelphia 76ers come into this game with an overall record of 41-26, placing them 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Philadelphia is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 22-11. Over the 76ers’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Philadelphia’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 106.0 points per game. Combined, the 76ers’ last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for Philadelphia’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 112.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 106.7. In the Philadelphia 76ers’ most recent game, the team fell to Denver by a score of 114-110.

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into this game with an overall record of 39-29, placing them 6th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Cleveland is above .500 at home, holding a record of 21-11. The Cavaliers have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Cleveland’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 109.0 points per game. Combined, the Cavaliers’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. Even though the Cavaliers have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 110.0 points per game, up from Cleveland’s usual rate of 103.8. In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most recent game, Cleveland took down the LA Clippers by a score of 120-111.

Individual Player Analysis

As Philadelphia travels to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 76ers’ leading scorer is Joel Embiid. Through 54 games, Embiid is averaging 29 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 56.0% of his games. So far, the Cavaliers are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 47.37% of their games, placing them 15th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Darius Garland leads the Cavaliers in scoring, averaging 21 points across his 54 games. Throughout the season, Garland has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Garland will need to do so against a 76ers defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 42.86%. This figure is good for a rank of 6th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The 76ers come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 108.7 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Philadelphia is winning at a rate of 71%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 11.0 points. On the other side, the Cavaliers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 28 games as the better defensive team, picking up 20 wins (71%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Philadelphia picked up a 125-119 win.

How the Public is Betting the 76ers vs Cavaliers

67% are betting the Sixers against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 217.0

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• 76ers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• 76ers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
• Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

In an Eastern Conference showdown, the Philadelphia 76ers will look to assert their dominance over the Cleveland Cavaliers in what could be a first-round playoff preview. Heading into the matchup, Philly has won 7 of their last 10 games, compared to the Cavs, at just 4 of 10. Each team enters the contest inside the top 10 in scoring defense. However, the Sixers have a far superior offensive unit, as Cleveland struggles with their shooting efficiency. I like Philadelphia to cover the spread. Bet your Sixers/Cavs pick and ALL your NBA bets for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $1000 at Betnow Sportsbook!