Superstars will be on full display Wednesday as Luke Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (37-39) take on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers (49-26). The 76ers will host this one at the Wells Fargo Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
The 76ers are the favorites in this one, playing at home. They are -210 to win, while the Mavericks’ moneyline is +180. The spread features Dallas as 5-point underdogs (-110).
Mavericks Trying To Get Out Of Tailspin
At 37-39, the Dallas Mavericks are now on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. They have been in an absolute tailspin, losing 7 of their last 10. Still, they picked up a win in their previous game and sit just a half-game back of the Lakers and Thunder in the standings.
To win this one, they will have to improve on both their road record (15-23) and their record against the Eastern Conference (10-16).
Offensively, Dallas ranks 16th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 113.9 points per game. They are led by star Luka Doncic, who is averaging 32.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.
In 16 games, Kyrie Irving has put up decent numbers, even if the chemistry between him and Doncic has not always been there. Irving is averaging 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per night.
Defensively, the Mavericks rank 15th, allowing opponents an average of 113.3 points per game.
76ers Trying To Snap Losing Streak
At 49-26, the Philadelphia 76ers sit firmly in third place in the Eastern Conference. Despite their success, they have faced some road bumps lately as they have lost three in a row entering play Wednesday. They will look to bounce back at home, where they are 26-11 this season.
Philadelphia has played relatively well against the Western Conference this year. While they are 30-16 against the East, they are 19-10 against the West.
The 76ers are one of the best teams in the league on defense. They currently rank third in scoring defense, allowing opponents an average of 110.6 points per game. In their last three games, though, they have allowed an average of 120.3 per game.
On the offensive side, Philadelphia ranks 14th in scoring, averaging 115.2 points per game. They are led by Joel Embiid, who is averaging 33.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He currently has the second-best odds of winning the MVP this year at +125.
Keep An Eye On The Injury Report
Despite Joel Embiid’s success this year, there is a chance that he doesn’t play in this one. He is currently listed as questionable with a calf injury, which would be devastating for Philadelphia in this one if he can’t play. On the positive side, James Harden is probable as he recovers from his Achilles injury.
Dallas enters play 5-2 against the spread in their last seven and 7-3 against the spread in their previous ten against Philadelphia. As for the 76ers, they are 6-3 against the spread in their last nine, although they are just 1-4 straight up in their last five games.
Keep an eye on the injury report, but if Embiid can’t go, or even if he isn’t at full strength, that would be huge for a Dallas team that is desperate for wins right now. They might not have enough to take down Philadelphia, but there is good value in taking Dallas and the points.
Take the Mavericks +5 (-110).
