Jason Storm

Free Picks Newsletter Lead Researcher

159-109-1 Overall Record

NBA Predictions: Indiana Pacers (+3.5) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (-3.5) Over-Under 184.5

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost their stride as this NBA season has progressed.  Philadelphia has fallen to the eighth position in the Eastern Conference standings thanks to their current woeful stretch that Philly has endured.  The Sixers have lost seven of their past ten games, and the Indiana Pacers will be looking to cause Philly further suffering when they square off.

Unfortunately, to add to Philly’s misery, the Pacers are currently on a 5 game winning streak that has seen Indiana average 105.0 points per game over that span, while only allowing 93.2 points per game to their opponents.  In Indiana’s previous game all five of their starters reached double figures scoring with David West and Roy Hibbert posting double doubles.  West scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards, while Hibbert scored 12 points and 11 rebounds.

No player in Philadelphia’s starting lineup grabbed more than 10 rebounds, which is a situation that will undoubtedly be a problem for Philadelphia.  The Sixers have been starting Elton Brand at the center position, and he will be overmatched going up against Roy Hibbert.  There will likely be a distinct rebounding advantage for the Pacers because of this, as well.

So far, the Pacers and Sixers have split the season series one game each.  The last matchup was an absolute blowout in favor of the Pacers and Indiana is likely to do it all over again when you consider how Philly has played lately.  The 76ers are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5, 0-4 against the spread in their last 4 home games overall, and 1-7 against the spread in their last 8 games played on no rest.

Most people don’t know that Indiana is 11-4-2 against the spread in their last 17 games in Philadelphia, and 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.  The Pacers will continue the good play versus the struggling Sixers and cover the spread.  Philadelphia is only 2.5 games ahead of Milwaukee in the standings, but Indiana is going to help loosen the Sixers grip on that position when this game is over.

Pick: Indiana +3.5