How Vegas (Currently) Views the Sixers
It’s that time of year when Vegas Sportsbooks flood us with the latest odds and win totals. Let’s assess their initial expectations for the Sixers’ 2019-20 NBA season.
O/U: 54.5 Wins
This seems to be the current number, with some books at 53.5 and others at 55.5 depending on where you look. The Sixers’ are universally given the 2nd highest win total out of the East behind the Bucks and are at least tied for the 3rd highest total out of the entire league, with the Clippers occasionally sliding in right behind the Bucks.
Assessment: Hammer the Over
The Sixers finished last season with a record of 51-31, a campaign summarized by major in-season acquisitions which resulted in the rotation requiring an ongoing, seemingly perpetual adjustment period. After an offseason which did include some notable losses, the Sixers completely revamped their roster and look as poised as ever to make a run for the NBA Finals. Sure the drastically different starting 5, now including Josh Richardson and Al Horford, might take a few games to build some chemistry initially, but this year’s squad is already miles ahead of last year’s 51 win-squad.
Factoring in the circumstances surrounding this year’s team as well as from a pure talent standpoint, the 2019-20 Sixers will improve by 4 wins, at least.
ECF/NBA Title: +150/+800
As is the case with win totals, the Sixers trail only the Bucks as it relates to odds to win the East. In terms of favorites to win the 2020 NBA Title, the Sixers are tied for 4th with the Houston Rockets. The Clippers(+350), Bucks(+450), and Lakers (+450) currently headline as the three title favorites.
Assessment: Quite the Value at +800
As I’ve previously opined, the Clippers are the only team that should scare the Sixers. Sixers fans shouldn’t be afraid of Giannis and the Bucks: we saw how they folded in the 2019 ECF vs. the Raptors and the Sixers only bolstered quite the formidable defensive frontcourt by adding Al Horford. If the Lakers were to come out of the West, we’ve already seen how a Joel Embiid-Anthony Davis matchup goes; Lebron would have to live around the 3pt line since he’d also have such a hard time getting to a rim protected by Embiid and Horford.
For some reason, it seems like once again outsiders are underestimating a Philly team, and we all know what a dog is capable of when you make him hungry.
Featured Image: Scarlett Fischer/Casino Las Vegas
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