Embiid Continues Pursuit of History as 76ers Visit Portland
76ers vs Trail Blazers Betting: Philadelphia Climbs to -9
The Portland Trail Blazers wrap up a back-to-back on Monday (10 p.m. ET) when they host the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia won the first meeting this NBA season, 126-98 on Oct. 29, but could be without Joel Embiid. The reigning NBA MVP is listed as questionable to play because of a knee issue.
Nevertheless, the 76ers opened as 8-point favorites and have climbed to -9 at -115 odds. They’re also -410 on the moneyline, with the Trail Blazers priced +320 to win outright. The projected total is 223.5, down a smidge from 224.5.
What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down the 76ers vs Trail Blazers betting odds in our NBA game preview.
76ers vs Trail Blazers 
Day/Time:
Location: Moda Center: Portland, Ore.
Streaming: Watch Live Sports
76ers vs Trail Blazers Betting Trends
The Philadelphia 76ers are 28-16 ATS, including 12-9 away from home. Philadelphia has gone Over the total in 27 of its 44 NBA games, the second-highest rate (61.4%) in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers are 21-25 ATS, including just 9-11 at home. The Trail Blazers also have a record of 20-26 against the Over/Under.
Be sure to remember these trends when analyzing the 76ers vs Trail Blazers betting odds.
Embiid Chasing History
The 76ers are 29-15 but have lost two straight on the road. They’re coming off a 111-105 loss to Denver on Saturday, in which star center Joel Embiid did not play. Despite his absence, they covered as 8.5-point underdogs.
Oddsmakers remain bullish on the 76ers, pricing them +500 in the Eastern Conference and +1100 to win the NBA Finals. They’re one of five teams with odds of 11/1 or better, three of which reside in the East.
The 76ers’ fortunes again hinge heavily on Embiid. The reigning MVP is averaging a league-high 36 points per game following his 70-point performance in last Monday’s 133-123 victory over San Antonio. Embiid’s scored at least 30 points in 22 straight games, the fifth-longest such streak in league history.
As such, he remains a strong contender to win back-to-back MVP awards — his +220 odds trail only Denver’s Nikola Jokic (+180).
Philadelphia ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring (119.5) and tied for 12th in field-goal percentage (47.7). On top of that, the 76ers have the league’s third-best point differential at plus-7.4.
The 76ers have also been among the most profitable teams for bettors. Their 28-16 record ATS has produced a cover rate of 63.6%, second to only Oklahoma City (66.7%). They’ve also gone Over the total at the second-highest rate (61.4%) in the league. That’s important to remember when assessing the 76ers vs Trail Blazers betting odds.
Trail Blazers Keep Fading
The Trail Blazers own the second-worst record in the Western Conference NBA standings (13-33) and are coming off a 104-96 loss to Chicago on Sunday, which they failed to cover as 5.5-point underdogs.
Portland, projected for 28.5 regular-season wins, is likely headed for the draft lottery once more. Injuries to crucial starters in Shaedon Sharpe (groin) and Robert Williams (knee) have made things more difficult. The Trail Blazers are tied for last in the NBA in scoring (107.8) and stand alone as the league’s worst shooting NBA team (43.5%). As such, star guard Malcolm Brogdon figures to be a popular target at next month’s trade deadline.
No surprise, the Trail Blazers are a +4000 longshot just to qualify for the postseason play-in tournament.
Anfernee Simons, Portland’s leading scorer (23.2 PPG), has been limited to 24 games because of a thumb injury. Deandre Ayton has played in only 30 because of knee issues.
Portland is just 21-25 ATS but has covered in four of its last five home games. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have gone Over the total at the third-lowest rate (56.5%) in the league.
Handicapping the Game
The 76ers have climbed to 9-point favorites, but injuries could complicate matters. The 76ers’ NBA injury report is lengthy. Tobias Harris (illness), Tyrese Maxey (ankle), and Embiid (knee) are among those listed as questionable to play Monday.
Portland is just 1-4 over its last five games and continues to reside in the cellar, but it could see a very different 76ers team, especially if Embiid decides to take it easy. Embiid remains an NBA fixture, having led the 76ers in scoring in the last eight games in which he’s played.
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