Philadelphia (13-19) at Brooklyn (13-21)
- When: Jan 4 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- TV: YES
Game Preview
NBA Betting Preview and Prediction: 76ers vs. Nets
Odds: Philadelphia -7.5 | Total: 216.5
The Philadelphia 76ers head to Brooklyn on Saturday night looking to snap a two-game skid and avoid their longest losing streak since late November. Despite recent struggles, the 76ers remain favored against a Nets squad that has been inconsistent and is dealing with injuries.
Philadelphia’s Recent Form
The 76ers had been on a tear, winning 10 of 13 games, but their West Coast trip was anything but kind. They dropped back-to-back games, including an ugly 139-105 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors. Joel Embiid, the team’s centerpiece, returned to the lineup in that game after missing time due to a foot and nose injury, but even his 28 points weren’t enough to keep the contest competitive.
Head coach Nick Nurse didn’t mince words after the loss:
“We were just a step behind from the start. You could see it on both ends of the floor. We’ve got to bring more energy.”
The 76ers will lean heavily on Embiid again—if he plays—to break out of their defensive funk, as they allowed the Warriors to shoot 60.9% from the field. Philadelphia is 11-7 since their rough 2-12 start to the season but needs to sharpen up defensively after allowing an average of 124 points over the last two games.
Brooklyn’s Challenges
The Nets come into this matchup 4-11 in their last 15 games and recently made some major changes by trading Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder. They did, however, show resilience in their 113-110 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday after blowing a massive lead in a one-point loss to Orlando earlier in the week.
Cameron Johnson, who has led the Nets in scoring in four of their last five games, is listed as doubtful due to a sprained ankle. His absence would be a significant blow to a Brooklyn team already struggling to find rhythm.
However, Cam Thomas’ return after a month-long hamstring injury provides some hope. Thomas has been gradually working his way back into form, but his availability remains questionable for this game.
Key Players to Watch
76ers: Joel Embiid (if active) is the focal point of the offense, averaging 29.3 points and 11.1 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey has also stepped up as a secondary scoring option and could be key to covering the spread.
Nets: D’Angelo Russell will be in the spotlight after being re-acquired in the Finney-Smith trade. He had 22 points off the bench against Toronto and posted a double-double (11 points, 12 assists) in the win over Milwaukee.
Betting Trends:
Philadelphia: 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Brooklyn: 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Total Trends: The over has hit in four of the last five meetings between these teams.
Prediction:
Philadelphia has the talent edge and has dominated the recent head-to-head series, winning nine of the last 11 matchups. However, their defensive lapses and road struggles make them vulnerable, especially if Embiid’s status remains uncertain. Brooklyn, despite their inconsistencies, showed grit in their win over Milwaukee and could ride the energy of playing their first home game since reuniting with Russell.
Pick: Nets +7.5 (if Embiid sits, or keep an eye on a live-bet opportunity)
Total Pick: Over 216.5—both teams are capable of turning this into a shootout despite defensive woes.
Final Score Prediction: 76ers 115, Nets 111
Expect a competitive game that could come down to late-game execution.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
