Denver (28-19) at Philadelphia (19-27)
- When: Jan 31 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
The Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers square off in a Friday night battle with both teams trending in opposite directions. Denver enters on a three-game skid, while Philadelphia has found its rhythm with four straight wins. The Nuggets dominated their last meeting with the Sixers, cruising to a 144-109 blowout on Jan. 21, but Philadelphia has responded with key victories over Cleveland, the Lakers, and Sacramento.
With Denver favored by 9.5 points and the total set at 233.5, let’s dive into the best betting angles for this matchup.
Philadelphia 76ers Analysis
Philadelphia is coming in hot, having turned things around after their embarrassing loss in Denver. They followed up that defeat with four straight wins, including an impressive come-from-behind victory against the Kings on Wednesday.
Tyrese Maxey continues to be the engine for the Sixers’ offense, dropping 30 points and 8 assists in their latest win while shooting 50% or better from the field in six straight games. Maxey has embraced the role of a leader in the absence of Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (finger), averaging a career-high 27.1 points per game while also making an impact on defense with 1.9 steals per game.
Head coach Nick Nurse praised the team’s defensive intensity, especially in their fourth-quarter shutdown of Sacramento. The Sixers held the Kings to just 17 points in the final frame, a level of defensive effort they’ll need to replicate to hang with Denver.
Despite their recent surge, Philly will have to contend with a Nuggets team looking for revenge after their disappointing road trip.
Denver Nuggets Analysis
The Nuggets have hit a rough patch, dropping three straight games to the Timberwolves, Bulls, and Knicks, losing by an average of 15.7 points per game. Turnovers continue to be a major issue, with Denver committing 14 giveaways against New York in a 122-112 loss.
Nikola Jokic had a quiet night against the Knicks, finishing with just 17 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, well below his usual production. He didn’t mince words after the loss, openly acknowledging the team’s long-standing turnover problem and hinting at frustration over the lack of improvement.
On the bright side, Jamal Murray looked sharp, dropping 33 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds against New York. However, he hasn’t had back-to-back 30+ point regular-season games since February 2023, making it uncertain if he’ll replicate that performance here.
Coach Mike Malone took a more optimistic approach, noting that while the loss to Chicago was unacceptable, the team at least showed effort against the Knicks.
Denver are looking to snap their losing streak, expect Denver to bring a more focused effort in a rematch with a Philly team that is still missing key stars.
Key Matchups & Betting Props
Tyrese Maxey Over 30.5 Points
Maxey has taken full control of the Sixers’ offense and scored 28 points in the last meeting against Denver. He’s shooting at an elite level and remains their primary scoring threat.
Jamal Murray Under 20.5 Points
While he exploded for 33 against New York, he hasn’t had consecutive 30-point games in nearly a year. A slight regression is likely.
Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 Assists
With Denver struggling offensively, Jokic should take on more of a playmaking role, especially if Murray cools down.
Betting Predictions
Denver was dominant the last time these teams met, but Philadelphia has shown resilience in recent games. However, the Sixers remain shorthanded without Embiid and George, and their recent wins have come against teams that didn’t exploit their weaknesses like Denver can.
Expect the Nuggets to bounce back with a more polished effort, cutting down on turnovers and capitalizing on Philadelphia’s defensive gaps inside. The Sixers will put up a fight behind Maxey, but ultimately, Denver should pull away late.
Best Bets:
Denver -9.5 (The Nuggets will clean up their mistakes and take control at home.)
Over 233.5 (Both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs, and Denver’s recent defensive struggles could push this game over the total.)
Tyrese Maxey Over 30.5 Points (With no Embiid, Maxey remains the primary option and should deliver another big game.)
Final Score Prediction: Denver 125, Philadelphia 113
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
