NBA Odds & Betting Picks for Today: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are 5.5-point home underdogs and the point total is 235 at online sports betting sites. Here’s a look at NBA odds and betting picks for today, Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
NBA Betting Picks for Today: Bucks at 76ers
This matchup should be a good one as we get to see two of the top teams in the East and in the NBA overall. The 76ers hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-12. In terms of key metrics, the Sixers rank 7th in the NBA in pace, 12th in offensive efficiency, and 2nd in defensive efficiency. They have ripped off a six-game win streak amidst an injury to Joel Embiid. Before Embiid went down, he was the betting favorite to win MVP, but despite missing their big man, the Sixers keep winning.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks entered the season as Eastern Conference favorites but are currently 3rd with a record of 25-14 — nine of those wins have come during last 10 games, so the Bucks may be hitting their stride following the all-star break. They currently sit 4th in pace, 4th in offensive efficiency, and 9th in defensive efficiency.
This is a game where I expect the public money to be betting on the Bucks, since the Sixers continue to be without Embiid. However, based on how the Sixers have rallied without him, that might not be the wisest decision. On top of winning their last six games, the Sixers have some of the widest home/road splits in the entire NBA. On the season, the 76ers sit 18-3 straight up and 14-7 ATS at home to go along with a 3-0 ATS record as a home dog. The Bucks on the other hand have just been an average team on the road, going 10-9 straight up and 7-12 ATS, not to mention a 7-11 ATS record as a road favorite.
Yes, Embiid would likely still be the favorite to win MVP if it weren’t for injury, and the Sixers certainly miss his presence, but they’ve proven that they’re a formidable team even without him on the floor. Some may scoff at their wins against the Bulls, Wizards, and the Spurs, but all of those wins were blowouts. Their most impressive win without Embiid came against the New York Knicks who have played great basketball recently and are playoff contenders. If you were going to ask me who wins this game straight up, I’d probably side with the Bucks, but considering we are getting the 76ers as 5.5-point dogs at home, where they consistently played great basketball, I’m happy to take the points in this NBA matchup.
Players Props
Additionally, there are a few mispriced player props in this particular matchup that you will no doubt want to take advantage. According to RG NBA DFS projections, Simmons is projected for 8.82 assists against the Bucks while his prop is Over/Under 7.5 assists at DraftKings Sportsbook with a little bit of extra cash to be had on the over (+110). Additionally, we have Tobias Harris pegged for 2.11 3-pointers and Middleton for 2.54, and their props three-points props are both 1.5 at DraftKings.
NBA Betting Card
- 76ers +5.5, risking 1.1u to win 1u
- Simmons Over 7.5 assists, risking 1u to win 1.1u
- Harris Over 1.5 3-pointers, risking 1.1u to win 1u
- Middleton Over 1.5 3-pointers, risking 1.48u to win 1u
Current Year Record: 1-1 (-0.1 Unit)
NBA DFS Tips For Today
This game has a decent amount of interest from DFS side of things, but the majority of the interest is on the higher-priced players. Giannis always stands out as a good DFS play when the game is going to be close, as he should push for 36+ minutes and is a monster on a point per minute basis. Simmons and Harris have had a pretty decent uptick in usage without Embiid in the lineup. While bother are priced up this week, either player can put up a tournament-winning box score.
NBA Odds Boost of the Day
Our last odds boost was a parlay that hit. This one will be much easier. If you are in a regulated state with access to Fanduel Sportsbook, you essentially get a free $50 with this boost of the day. Fanduel Sportsbook is doing a spread the love promotion where you can bet on the Spartans +95.5 in their first game in the NCAA tournament. There are more special offers for March Madness, but this is one of my favorite ways to build up your bankroll before round 1 of the NCAA Tournament even begins. Be sure to check all of our March Madness content, including NCAA Tournament odds, bracket picks, and college basketball betting tips
Sign up at FanDuel Sportsbook to Bet MSU +95.5!
Current Odds Boost Record: 2-0 (8.6 Units)