Stephen Nover | NBA Sides
dime bet – 717 PHI 15.0 (-110) vs 718 MEM
Analysis: I realize the 76ers are capable of losing to any team by more than 20 points. But this is a bad spot for Memphis and the 76ers, sparked by a rejuvenated Michael Carter-Williams, have covered six of their last seven games. Memphis trails Phoenix and Dallas by one game for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. So, yes, it’s a must-win spot for the Grizzlies, but it is far from a kill spot. The Grizzlies haven’t been playing that well losing four of six before defeating the Heat, 107-102, this past Wednesday. Previous to that game, the Grizzlies had played San Antonio. So after dealing with perhaps the best team from each conference they drop completely down in class. Memphis is 3-12-1 ATS the last 16 times when playing on one day’s rest. Philadelphia, which covered at Toronto on Wednesday, is 7-2 ATS the past nine times when playing on one day’s rest. Following this matchup, the Grizzlies travel to the West Coast for a Sunday game against the Lakers and then Monday against the Suns before returning home to take on Dallas in their regular season finale on Wednesday. This is the Grizzlies’ final rest stop. They certainly will want to limit the minutes of their starters if building a decent-size lead knowing they have make-or-break games coming up against the Suns and Mavericks. The 76ers can be competitive when Michael Carter-Williams is playing well as he has during the past six games. During this span, Carter-Williams is averaging 19 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 52.5 percent from the floor. Sparked by Williams, the 76ers are averaging 106.2 points during their last six games. Philadelphia shouldn’t have any fatigue issues as this is just the second time in six days it is in action. The Grizzlies aren’t a team built for covering margins ranking 27th in scoring, averaging less than 96 points per game. Memphis has covered just one of its past eight games.