Pro Basketball Picks: Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers
Monday, 3/11/13, 7:00 PM EST, TV: YES
Opening Point Spread: Brooklyn -5
Current Betting Line: Brooklyn -6
Opening Total: 184
Current Total: 184
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Philadelphia 76ers are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games on zero days rest

Brooklyn has won and covered the spread in three consecutive games, including a 93-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks as 3.5-point road underdogs last Saturday, while going UNDER the total in each of those contests. “When we’re that focused and play with that much attentiveness—we can be a really good basketball team,” stated Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo. The Nets are 16-13 overall on the road this season, including a 12-8 mark versus Eastern Conference foes. Brooklyn is 3-1 ATS as road favorites of 3.5 to 6 points this season, which can’t be ignored when making your NBA expert picks Monday night.

The Nets recent success can be attributed to the offensive play of point guard Deron Williams, who is averaging 23.1 points per game since the All-Star break. He has scored 20-plus points in four of its last five games and 19 times overall this season. Brooklyn has held 38 of its first 63 opponents under 100 points in regulation and is 29-10 in those games. With a victory in this affair, the team would pick up its fourth consecutive road win against the 76ers.

Philadelphia has dropped its last five games, including a 99-91 setback to the Orlando Magic as one-point road favorites Sunday, while going UNDER the posted total of 193.5. “Not every team is going to have a good season,” commented 76ers forward Thaddeus Young. The 76ers have struggled on the offensive end in their last 16 games, averaging 89.0 points on 42.5 percent shooting in that span. Philadelphia is 2-3 ATS as home underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points this season, with the OVER going 3-2 in that situation.

The 76ers are 17-16 overall at the Wells Fargo Center, including a 10-9 mark versus conference rivals. Philadelphia point guard Jrue Holiday will need to put together a special performance in this affair, as he’s averaging 21.5 points and 8.5 assists versus the Nets this season. Holiday is the only player in the league averaging at least 18.0 points and 8.0 assists.