76ers vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Odds (Back 76ers in Offensive Showcase)
By Joe Summers
James Harden will make his much-anticipated debut for the 35-23 Philadelphia 76ers as they take on the 32-28 Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 PM EST. With Harden, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers profile as an elite offensive team with defensive stalwarts to boot.
The Timberwolves are coming off an impressive upset win over the Grizzlies last night. Will they take down two heavyweights in a row or will the magic of the 76ers new duo knock them back down to earth?
Let's take a look at the odds courtesy of WynnBET:
76ers vs Timberwolves Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- 76ers -3 (-110)
- Timberwolves +3 (-110)
Moneyline:
- 76ers: -160
- Timberwolves: +130
Total:
- 228.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
76ers vs Timberwolves Prediction and Pick
This is a brutal scheduling spot for Minnesota. Getting the Grizzlies and 76ers in back-to-back days is tough enough, but now they've got to deal with Harden's debut? The Timberwolves are just 3-6 against the spread (ATS) on the second game of a back-to-back and have a bottom-10 defensive rating over their last 15.
I think they'll struggle to contain an explosive 76ers offense that seems like a math problem there's no answer for. If you don't double Embiid inside, he'll dominate. If you do, he can kick out to almost anyone on the court for an open shot. As long as Harden accepts his role as the Robin to Embiid's Batman and doesn't try to take over the offense, Philly is going to be impossible to stop.
That's a big ask though, and we'll have to see if Harden can acquiesce to his new running mate and gel for the greater good. I'd bet Anthony Edwards, who loves playing against the NBA's stars, will go after the 76ers big acquisition on defense and try to make life miserable for him.
But Philly is just too good for Minnesota to overcome the rough spot. The 76ers are 18-11 ATS on the road and I believe they'll move to 19-11 tonight.
I also like the over here, which is 19-11 when the Timberwolves are underdogs this year. With the Timberwolves tired legs on an already-struggling defense against the offensive firepower but defensive question marks on the 76ers, I expect a high-scoring game.
This is a huge game and I look forward to every bucket, though hopefully Philly has more of them than Minnesota.
Pick: 76ers -3 (-110) and OVER 228.5 (-110)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.