After a tremendously disappointing start to the season, Philly has won four of its last five and will look to build on its current win streak. The NBA’s best home team - the Cleveland Cavaliers - will have something to say about that.
My 76ers vs. Cavaliers predictions like “Mr. Consistent” Jarrett Allen to cash his combo prop in a Cleveland victory.
Read my NBA picks to see why you should take Allen to record a double-double and why the Cavaliers ML is a better bet than the point spread.
76ers vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet
Jarrett Allen double-double (+110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Philadelphia 76ers have been ravaged by injuries this season, but even when stars like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have been available, their production has been hit or miss. Likewise, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been spreading the ball around at an elite level, and it’s tough to decide who will have a big performance on any given night.
In a world of uncertainty, one thing has given me hope - a Jarrett Allen double-double. Cleveland’s big man certainly doesn’t make many flashy plays, and you won’t find his mixtape on YouTube. However, Allen does the dirty work in the paint by scoring and rebounding at a consistent pace. That’s why I’m taking his double-double prop as my best bet tonight.
Allen has recorded a double-double in 17 of 28 games this season, and he’s pulled down double-digit boards in 20 games. He’s averaged 12.3 points and 9.3 rebounds on the road but 14.3 and 11.1 at home. He’s set up nicely to cash this prop at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse tonight.
Allen went for 11/12 in his first matchup with the Sixers at Philly. Last season, he averaged a healthy 21 points and 10.8 boards in four matchups, piling up a double-double three times. Over the last seven games, Philly has allowed opposing centers to post 14 rebounds and 23.8 points (ninth-most).
The Sixers will be missing Joel Embiid again, which makes this an even more favorable matchup for Allen. Given his prolific double-double rate this season, I’m pouncing on +110 odds for a tidy profit.
76ers vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Jarrett Allen double-double
Cavaliers ML
Tyrese Maxey Over 24.5 points
The last time these two teams met, the Sixers were down all of their Big 3. Without Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, or Paul George, Philly kept it close with a 114-106 loss at home. Maxey and George will be available for this one (though Jared McCain will not), so I’m a bit wary of taking the Cavs to cover by double-digit points here.
Cleveland is a league-best 15-1 straight up at home, so I have no doubts the Cavs will emerge victorious. Can Philly keep it close against a familiar foe who’s playing the second leg of a back-to-back set? Absolutely. I’m far more comfortable taking the Cavs on the moneyline rather than laying 11 points.
Maxey’s scoring has been hot and cold this season, just like it was in his breakout 2023-24 campaign. He’s got the rare ability to get blisteringly hot and take over a game, only to disappear and score eight points on 3-of-18 shooting the following night.
It’s always a bit risky taking his scoring prop, but Maxey has been solid over his last four games. He’s averaged 27.5 points and hit the Over twice. Maxey is averaging 26.1 points on the road compared to 23.9 at home.
He’s scored 40, 25, 21, and 28 across his last four away from Wells Fargo Center. Last season, Maxey averaged 23 points against the Cavs in four matchups, and I expect him to have another solid outing in his first matchup with Cleveland tonight.
Maxey - who’s taking a career-high 21.1 shots per game - will assuredly lead the team in shot attempts, and he’ll need to be at his best for the Sixers to keep pace with Cleveland’s elite offense.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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76ers vs Cavaliers odds
76ers vs Cavaliers live odds
76ers vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: Philadelphia +10.5 (-105) | Cleveland -10.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Philadelphia (+400) | Cleveland (-550)
- Over/Under: Over 220 (-110) | Under 220 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
76ers vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Philadelphia is 4-1 straight up and 3-2 ATS across its last five games, bringing the team’s record to 9-16 straight up and 10-15 ATS.
- Cleveland has won seven and covered in six of its last eight, and the team is 24-4 straight up and 20-8 ATS.
- The Sixers have hit the Under in three of the last four, and Philly is 11-13-1 to the Under this season
- The Cavaliers are 18-10 to the Over this season, and Cleveland has hit the Over in five of its last eight.
76ers vs Cavaliers trend
Cleveland is 4-1 straight up on the second leg of a back-to-back this season. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch 76ers vs Cavaliers
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-21-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio, NBCSP+ |
76ers vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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