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The 76ers are this season’s most intriguing collection of basketball players and the storylines that will define their season are plentiful.
We’ve already checked off LeBron James’ first game at Madison Square Garden and the Sixers’ revenge game against the Knicks, who swept them out of the playoffs.
Next up: James against his former Cavaliers team.
The city of brotherly love gets its first real taste of the Sixers in their home opener and, if the odds are any indication, we’re in for a tight game, with the spread sitting at 3.5 in favor of the home team.
Cavaliers vs. 76ers prediction
How fast the Sixers could develop chemistry and flow on the court was a big talking point when this team was assembled.
Game 1 proved that they certainly have found some level of comfortability playing with each other.
The results certainly weren’t perfect, but it was encouraging that the Sixers finished with 28 assists and 24 of those dimes came from Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and James.
Those four players are capable of drawing two defenders and creating shots for themselves or for teammates.
The Cavaliers will have their work cut out for them trying to defend if the Sixers maintain that rhythm.
With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on the floor, the 76ers have two glaring weak spots they can attack on defense.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are proven defenders, and newcomer Peyton Watson has the size to be a very good defender as well.
However, trying to guard players like James and Brown on the wing or keep Maxey and VJ Edgecombe from getting downhill is a tall task for all-defense level players.
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Maxey should have the biggest advantage of the group.
It’s impossible to stay in front of him with his lightning-quick first step, and his improved pull-up 3-point shooting is a legitimate weapon in his offensive arsenal.
His scoring prop is in the low 20s, but I think he has a favorable matchup here. I like his alt scoring prop of 25 or more, especially at plus-money odds.
The Pick: Tyrese Maxey 25+ points (+120, FanDuel)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017. He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports. He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props.