NBA Underdog Pick of the Day (Luka Doncic, Dallas Live to Upset Sixers)

Looking for an underdog pick in the NBA on Friday night? 

Well, the marquee matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks could be the answer, as Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Philly with a back ailment. 

The Mavericks are winners of three straight games and eight of their last 10, while the Sixers have struggled when they step up in competition, losing to the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets recently. 

Let’s take a look at the odds via WynnBET: 

Mavericks vs. Sixers Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Mavericks +2.5 (-110)
• Sixers -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Mavericks: +120
• Sixers: -160

Total:

• 217 (Over -110/Under -110)

Why Mavericks Can Upset Sixers

So why take Dallas to upset Philly?

First off, Embiid’s status is murky, and the Sixers have already said that he and Harden will have “rest” days down the stretch of this season. 

Luka Doncic has been fantastic as of late, scoring 25 or more points in eight straight games, and I don’t know how this Sixers team will fare against top competition, as they’ve struggled in that spot since acquiring James Harden. 

The Mavericks are playing at the slowest pace in the NBA this season, and over their last 10 games, while the Sixers are second to last in pace, but 22nd over their last 10 games. 

Not only that, the Sixers are just 10-16 against the spread as a home favorite this season, while the Mavericks are 11-7 against the spread as a road dog. 

If Dallas can slow this game and turn it into a defensive battle, I think it has the star power with Doncic to take down this Sixers team. This line is going to jump if Embiid is ruled out, so taking Dallas to win now may be the best chance at grabbing the value. 

Lean: Mavericks Moneyline (+130)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.