Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 30, 2024

Portland Trail Blazers will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night as they look to add to their two-game win streak. This will be the first time these two teams meet this season and both will be desperate for a win after sluggish starts to the 2024-25 campaign.

It has been a difficult season for the Blazers but back-to-back home wins against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks have provided some optimism for their loyal fanbase. The 76ers are picking up steam as we approach the midway point of the season, with Nick Nurse's team riding a three-game win streak, and winning five or their last six coming into Monday's game.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers preview, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Monday, Dec. 30, with the game set to tip off at 10:00 p.m. EST. (7:00 p.m. PST).

The game will be available to watch locally on KATU and NBCS-PH. Fans looking to stream the game can do so on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.

Moneyline: 76ers (-215), Blazers (+180)

Spread: 76ers -5.5 (-110), Blazers +5.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): Over 222.5 (-105), Under 222.5 (-115)

Note: All odds are subject to change closer to tip off. The listed odds are based on information available at the time of writing.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers preview

Philadelphia 76ers forward KJ Martin dribbles the ball while defended by Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Anfernee Simons at Moda Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

There were high expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers coming into the season and the coaching staff faced some scrutiny after a disappointing 2-12 start. However, Nick Nurse's team has bounced back, winning 10 of their last 15 games since Nov. 22.

The Sixers have a 12-17 record and are 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 7-3 over their last 10 games and have a 7-8 away record. Philadelphia is currently riding a three-game win streak with victories over San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz over the last week.

A struggling offense has been a concern for Nurse, who will look to former MVP center Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey for points. The 76ers are averaging just 106.6 points per game, the third lowest in the East. Maxey currently leads the roster with 26.0 ppg.

The Portland Trail Blazers struggled to find wins early in the season, winning just three of their first 11 games. Chauncey Billups made some adjustments and a young Portland roster has looked better over the last 45 days.

The Trail Blazers have a 11-20 record and sit in 13th position in the Western Conference standings. They have a 3-7 record over their last 10 games. One positive is that Portland have looked strong at home, winning eight of their 15 home games at the Moda Center, including notable wins against the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets.

Shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe has stood out for the Blazers. The 21-year-old is in his third season in the NBA and is showing promising signs. Sharpe leads the Portland roster with 18.1 ppg, and is also chipping in with 3.6 rpg and 2.6 apg.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers betting tips

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey in action against the Portland Trail Blazers at Wells Fargo Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Monday's game which means the focus will be on Tyrese Maxey. The talented point guard has been a central figure in Nurse's offense and is putting up some big numbers. Maxey over/under for points is listed as 27.5. Over his last five games, he has record 27 or more points on four occasions. Look for him to go over the 27.5-point total.

The Portland trail Blazers have high hopes for Shaedon Sharpe. The rising star has impressed this season, especially on the offensive front. The points total is set at 17.5 for the Canadian sharpshooter. He is averaging 23 ppg over his last five starts, which includes two 27-point outings. He should be able to record more than 17.5 points on Monday.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction

Both these teams have been on strong runs over the last week and a home court advantage should give the Trail Blazers a slight edge. However, if Embiid is healthy and ready to take the court, an experienced and deep 76ers team should be able to overcome the Blazers. The point spread is set at just 5.5, and the 76ers should be able to win by more than that number.