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Sixers vs. Pelicans Prediction: Odds, Best Bets & Player Props for Saturday’s Showdown
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The New Orleans Pelicans are flocking to town, and they seem to have left their defense in the bayou.
The vibes took a serious hit with the news of Paul George’s 25-game suspension, putting a temporary hold on the “Scary Hours” narrative Sixers fans were enjoying. However, the show must go on. While New Orleans has been busy allowing opponents to drop a staggering 120.9 points per game, the Sixers look to capitalize behind the relentless pace of Tyrese Maxey and the dominance of Joel Embiid. With George out, the onus falls squarely on the dynamic duo to dismantle a Pelicans squad sporting a massive negative point differential.
This feels like the perfect opportunity for Philly to feast on a struggling road team as the franchise welcomes back the 2000-2001 team for a 25th anniversary celebration.
Sixers vs. Pelicans Prediction & Best Bet
Trusting the Sixers to cover at home has been about as enjoyable as a root canal lately, but sometimes the schedule makers hand you a gift you just can’t refuse. While the Pelicans have oddly dominated this head-to-head matchup recently, winning their last four games against Philadelphia, the context here screams “scheduled loss” for the visitors.
Pick: Philadelphia 76ers -6.5 (-110)
The Pelicans are walking into a buzzsaw of fatigue. New Orleans is currently 1-9 (.100) on the road in the second half of a back-to-back over their last 10 attempts. That is not just bad; that is “let’s get this over with and go to the hotel” levels of bad.
While the Sixers are a shaky 7-13 (.350) against the spread at home over their last 20, they have the firepower to exploit a tired defense, even without George in the lineup. With Maxey (1,325 points) and Embiid (693 points) fresh and ready to attack the paint, the Pelicans’ road woes should continue. New Orleans might be grabbing 49.4% of available rebounds on the road, but boards won’t matter much if they can’t get back on defense to stop the fast break. Lay the points and watch the Sixers run the Pels out of the gym.
Sixers vs. Pelicans Odds
Here are the latest betting lines for Saturday’s matchup at the Xfinity Mobile Arena:
- Point Spread: 76ers -6.5 (-110), Pelicans +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: 76ers -227, Pelicans +187
- Total: O/U 232.5 Points
Odds listed are consensus odds and subject to change.
Top Player Prop Bets for Sixers vs. Pelicans
If you are looking to squeeze a little extra value out of this Saturday night showdown, avoiding the moneyline might be your best financial decision since canceling that gym membership you never use. We’ve dug through the stats to find where the books might be sleeping on the Sixers’ production against a New Orleans defense that, statistically speaking, tends to treat “guarding the perimeter” as a mere suggestion.
Tyrese Maxey Over 27.5 Points
Let’s be honest: Tyrese Maxey runs around the court like he’s legally prohibited from standing still. With 1,325 total points over 45 games this season, Maxey is averaging a staggering 29.4 points per game. NJ betting apps and PA sports betting apps have set this line at 27.5, essentially giving us nearly a two-point discount on his seasonal average.
The Pelicans are surrendering 114.4 points per game this season, which ranks them in the bottom third of the league. With Paul George suspended, the offensive usage rate for Maxey is going to skyrocket. He has to be the primary creator on the perimeter. Considering New Orleans is on the second night of a back-to-back, their defenders are going to feel like they are running in mud trying to chase Maxey through screens. He has already knocked down 153 three-pointers this year and gets to the line relentlessly (238 made free throws). Expect him to hit the gas pedal early and leave the tired Pelicans defense in the rearview mirror.