Sixers vs. Warriors prediction and odds for Friday, March 24 (Sixers value bet if Embiid plays)

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

We’re onto the final two weeks of the NBA season as the Golden State Warriors host the Philadelphia 76ers in a matchup with massive implications for the playoffs.

Philly is rolling, having won nine of its last 10 to sit just three games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Golden State, on the other hand, is 4-6 in its previous 10 contests and needs a win to help avoid falling into the Play-In Tournament.

The Warriors are short favorites at home, but I see value in backing the Sixers in this one. Let’s check out the odds before I explain why.

Sixers vs. Warriors Odds, Spread, and Total

Philadelphia 76ers @ Golden State Warriors | Current Best Odds

Mar. 24, 9:00 PM

PHI

48-22, 41-28-1 ATS

GS

36-36, 33-38-1 ATS

Sixers vs. Warriors Prediction and Pick

The Warriors are admittedly stellar at home, but I can’t justify the Sixers being underdogs with how well they’re playing. Thus, I’m backing Philly at plus money to pick up a third straight win in this series.

Since the All-Star break, Philadelphia handily leads the NBA in net rating (10.3) while the Warriors are 12th (1.6). While Golden State is great at home, the Sixers are even better on the road. Their net rating (5.9) on the road is the league’s best as well, and they’ve covered the spread in five straight away from home.

As road underdogs, the Sixers are 5-2 outright in their last seven. Joel Embiid is trying to lock up the MVP, averaging a ridiculous 34 points and 9.3 rebounds on 61.7% shooting this month. Keep an eye on his status before tip-off though, as he left Philly’s most recent game against Chicago early after aggravating an injury.

Provided Embiid plays, Philadelphia should be favored. Take the value on the Sixers and enjoy another dominant performance from the presumptive MVP.

Joseph Summers

BetSided

PHI