Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick
The Philadelphia 76ers (32-27) will attempt to break a two-game losing streak and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-24) for the first time since 2015 on Thursday when they visit Quicken Loans Arena as small road underdogs.
The 76ers have dropped the past 11 meetings with the Cavaliers straight up, according to the OddsShark NBA Database, failing to cover the last three.
Point spread: The Cavaliers opened as 3.5-point favorites; the total is at 222.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 112.5-106.7, Cavaliers (NBA picks on every game)
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Why the 76ers can cover the spread
Philadelphia is vastly improved this season and nearly covered the spread in the most recent game against Cleveland on December 9, falling 105-98 as a 5.5-point road underdog.
The 76ers remain in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite losing their last two games, both of which came on the road versus opponents that would be in the postseason as well if the regular season ended today.
Before this skid, they had reeled off a seven-game winning streak, going 5-2 ATS, with six of the wins coming at home.
Why the Cavaliers can cover the spread
The Cavaliers have alternated wins and losses since the NBA All-Star Break, and they are coming off a 129-123 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday behind a triple-double from LeBron James (31 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists).
While they are just 1-3 ATS in their last four games, they had previously covered four straight and have played much better as a team since dealing away Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose.
James has stepped up as a leader lately, with Cleveland on track to win a fourth consecutive Central Division title and possibly make it to the NBA Finals again.
Smart betting pick
Philadelphia came close to earning a win in this series last season, with the first two meetings a year ago both decided by four points or less.
Since then, however, the 76ers have lost the last three by an average of more than 15 points, and the Cavaliers are focused on improving their play heading into the playoffs.
James will take Philadelphia seriously in this spot and make sure Cleveland picks up another victory and cover at online betting sites.
NBA betting trends
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last five games.
Philadelphia is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road.
Cleveland is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games.
All NBA odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
