NBA Basketball
2018-11-16 - Utah Jazz at Philadelphia 76ers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 16th November 2018 - Tip Off 7pm
British Time: Midnight
Preview
The Jimmy Butler era with the Philadelphia 76ers has begun, but it was not all positive as the team were beaten by the Orlando Magic on the road. We have seen many times in recent years that top players do need an adjustment period to play with one another and it is could be the case for the 76ers too.
They return home on Friday for a brief stop before heading back on the road to take on the Charlotte Hornets, but the 76ers should be greeted by a hugely positive atmosphere despite dropping two of three on their recent road trip.
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance will also be on the minds of the Utah Jazz players who produced the worst defeat in the franchise history since this franchise has played in Utah. They were a big road favourite yet they were blown out by the Dallas Mavericks and the Jazz now have to play two of the better Eastern Conference teams back to back.
I fully expect a reaction from Utah because they are a far better team than what they showed in Dallas, but this is a tough place to play and the 76ers are 7-0 at home this season. There is no doubt that Utah need to pick up the pace Defensively if they are going to start beating some of the better teams in the NBA and they do have a chance here with Philadelphia finding their feet with Butler in the line up.
It was the lack of Offensive efficiency which cost the 76ers a chance to beat the Orlando Magic in the first game with Butler in the line up, but they have shown they are much better at home and that should see Philadelphia produce a strong effort on that side of the ball.
A lack of consistency Offensively has bothered the Utah Jazz all season and I think that could show up in this game.
The Jazz have been a little streaky in the last couple of weeks too so bouncing back from the Dallas game won't be easy, even if I am expecting a much better effort all around. The favourite has improved to 9-4 against the spread in the last thirteen in the series between these teams and I do like the Philadelphia 76ers as a home team where they have been cashing at the window at a high rate.
The energy of the crowd should be one that inspires the Philadelphia 76ers and they can be the team to bounce back from the losses both they and Utah suffered in their last game and I will back the 76ers to cover.
Prediction
Lay the points with the home favourite.
The Pick :
Philadelphia 76ers 107-102 Utah Jazz
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Philadelphia 76ers - 3 Points at -110 with Intertops
