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Sixers vs. Pacers Prediction and Odds (Philly Stays in Race for No. 2 Seed in NBA Playoffs)

By Matt De Saro

Philadelphia 76ers v Cleveland Cavaliers
Philadelphia 76ers v Cleveland Cavaliers / Jason Miller/GettyImages
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The Philadelphia Sixers may have clinched a playoff berth, but they are not just going through the motions while they await the playoffs. The Sixers are currently neck-and-neck with the Milwaukee Bucks with a 48-30 record heading into the last week of the regular season. Philly is a half-game behind the Celtics for the No. 2 spot and 2.5 games back from the Heat at No. 1. It is still totally possible for the Sixers to take over the top spot and finish with the best record in the East. However, it’s just as plausible that they finish in sixth place behind the Bulls and Raptors. 

The Pacers, on the other hand, are already eliminated from playoff contention and will, at best, be looking to play spoiler. WynnBET doesn’t have odds listed for this Eastern Conference showdown just yet, but here are the consensus numbers:

Sixers vs. Pacers Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Sixers: -12.5 (-110)
  • Pacers: +12.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Sixers: -750
  • Pacers: +525

Total: 231.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Sixers vs. Pacers Prediction and Pick

The Sixers are clearly not content with finishing in the middle of the pack and want to give themselves the best seed possible heading into the playoffs. Philly is 2-0 so far in April including a 30 point win over the Hornets last Saturday. In their last game, a 112-108 win over the Cavaliers on Sunday, James Harden exploded for a 21/10/10 triple-double. Joel Embiid chipped in 44 points and 17 rebounds. 

The Pacers, on the other hand, are playing like a team with nothing left to play for. They have lost two in a row and six of their last seven overall. Indiana is getting beat by some bad teams too including Charlotte, Washington, and Portland. The Pacers ATS record is not any better. Indy is 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games. 

So, will the Sixers play hard enough to blow the Pacers out? Or just hard enough to win this game and continue climbing the ladder in the Eastern Conference? Hard to say. But, considering Harden dropped a triple-double last night, I think it’s fair to say this team is not taking their foot off the gas. Their 30 points win over the Hornets last week is another strong example of this team not phoning anything in. 

Pick: Sixers -12.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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