Philadelphia (15-26) at Denver (26-16)
- When: Jan 21 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
The Denver Nuggets are heavy favorites as they host the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, with a spread set at -13.0 and the total points at 231.0. This matchup offers plenty of betting intrigue, especially given the Sixers’ struggles and the Nuggets’ recent dominance.
Sixers’ Struggles:
Philadelphia is enduring a rough patch, losing six straight games, and their injury report isn’t helping matters. Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP and second-leading scorer (24.4 PPG), remains sidelined with a knee issue and isn’t traveling with the team. Other key players like Paul George, Guerschon Yabusele, and Andre Drummond are questionable, leaving coach Nick Nurse scrambling to assemble competitive lineups.
Tyrese Maxey has been the lone bright spot for the Sixers, averaging 26.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. However, without consistent support, Philadelphia’s chances against Denver look slim. Maxey, alongside Jared McCain (15.3 PPG) and George (17.2 PPG, if he plays), will need a Herculean effort to keep the Sixers competitive.
Nuggets’ Momentum:
The Nuggets have hit their stride, winning six of their last seven games, including a successful sweep of their road trip through Miami and Orlando. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, posting MVP-caliber numbers with 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game, while also leading the team with 1.8 steals per contest. Jokic remains the engine of Denver’s offense, and his versatility makes him nearly unstoppable.
Jamal Murray, after a slow start to the season, is back in form. He’s averaging 20.1 points per game and has been particularly impactful in recent matchups, scoring an average of 32.3 points over three games before dropping 19 in Sunday’s win over Orlando. Denver’s balanced attack also features Michael Porter Jr. (18.2 PPG) and Christian Braun (13.8 PPG), making them a well-rounded offensive powerhouse.
Key Matchup Notes:
Injuries: Philadelphia’s depleted roster is a major disadvantage against a deep and cohesive Nuggets squad.
Home-Court Advantage: Denver is tough to beat at Ball Arena, especially with their current momentum.
Defense: The Nuggets’ ability to exploit Philadelphia’s defensive lapses could lead to a high-scoring affair.
Prediction and Best Bets:
Denver -13.0: The Nuggets are in top form and face a 76ers squad riddled with injuries. Expect Denver to control the game from start to finish, covering the spread.
Over 231.0 Total Points: Despite their struggles, the Sixers can still put up points with Maxey leading the charge. Combine that with Denver’s offensive firepower, and the over looks like a solid play.
The Nuggets’ depth, Jokic’s dominance, and the Sixers’ injury woes set the stage for a one-sided affair. Back Denver to continue their winning streak and cover the spread in a high-scoring contest.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
