NBA Basketball
2013-01-22 - Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 22 January 2013 - Tip Off 8pm
1am (British Time)
Preview
After firing Scott Skiles, the Milwaukee Bucks (21-18) have gone on a 5-2 run and remain one of the key players in the Eastern Conference Play Off picture. They face the Philadelphia 76ers (17-24) who have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NBA so far this season.
A year ago, the 76ers looked to be moving in the right direction as a team, but their off-season trades have not improved the team. Losing Andre Iguodala was one thing, but the trade for Andrew Bynum has given nothing back with the All-Star Center yet to start a game for Philadelphia.
Bynum has indicated that he is yet to get to the peak of where he wants to be before he can make his way back onto the court. However, the big man has suggested he will be back after the All-Star break in February and Philadelphia have to stay in the Play Off picture before then.
The 76ers are just 5-15 in their last 20 games and they are coming off a tough loss on Martin Luther King Day against the San Antonio Spurs. While they were leading late, the 76ers lost by 5 points and have now dropped 12 of their last 14 on the road while they have been outscored by over 20 points per game in their last 3 on the road.
On the other hand, Milwaukee get to return home after winning 3 of their last 4 games on the road and the team are averaging over 100 points per game since Jim Boylan took over from Skiles.
Head to Head
Milwaukee beat Philadelphia by 9 points on the road earlier this season in their only meeting this season.
The 76ers beat Milwaukee on the road last season, but they had previously lost 3 in a row at this Arena.
The Bucks are 5-2 against the spread in the last 7 games in the series.
Prediction
This is a back to back night of action for the Philadelphia 76ers and they are 0-7 since the start of December in that spot, losing those games by 13 points per game.
Philadelphia put in a huge effort at San Antonio last night and there is every chance they are a little too fatigued in this one to challenge Milwaukee.
That could be the difference in the game and I wouldn't be surprised if Milwaukee match their win margin from earlier this season against Philadelphia so will look for them to cover here.
The Pick :
Milwaukee Bucks 100-91 Philadelphia 76ers
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Milwaukee Bucks - 7 Points @ 2.00
