NBA Picks: Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Hornets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The New Orleans Hornets will look to avoid losing consecutive games at home for the first time this season when they host the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. New Orleans lost 103-88 at home to the Lakers on Dec. 29, but have won two straight on the road since, including a 92-81 win over the Wizards on Saturday. The 76ers lost 102-98 at Los Angeles on Friday, but can finish up their eight-game road trip at 4-4 with a win over the Hornets tonight. If you are thinking about betting on the game, our NBA spreads have the Hornets favored by 6-points over the 76ers at home.
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Philadelphia figures to come into the game tonight with a lot of confidence that they can beat the Hornets on their home court, as they have won three straight over New Orleans, including a 88-70 win earlier this season at home.
While Philadelphia has been impressive lately, they will once again be without Andre Iguodala, as he sits out a fourth straight game with tendinitis in his Achilles’ tendon. Iguodala had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists against the Hornets back on Dec. 12.
Jrue Holiday has however has really taken his game to another level this season, and is arguably playing the best basketball of his career right now. Holiday led the 76ers with 19 points and 11 assists in their most recent loss to the Lakers, and is averaging 20.8 points and 7.4 assists in his last five games.
The 76ers held the Hornets to a season-low 70 points in the first matchup, and defense will be the key for them to win on the road tonight.
Chris Paul was the only Hornet to score in double-figures against Philadelphia, as he had 25 points, but Paul had just three assists, well below his season average of 9.9. Paul had just 13 points to go with 11 assists in the Hornets most recent win over the Wizards, snapping a four-game streak of at least 20 points.
Paul however got plenty of help against the Wizards, as six other Hornet players scored in double-figures, including a season-high 22 points from Trevor Ariza, who has struggled to get going in his first season with the Hornets.
In the Hornets last four wins, they have held their opponents to 91 or fewer points, and when New Orleans brings it defensively, they are a very tough team to beat, especially on their home floor, where they are 13-4 this season.
Even with the success that the 76ers have had against the Hornets recently, I think your money has to be on New Orleans -6 in this one. Not having Iguodala is a big blow to the 76ers on both sides of the ball.
For more help with who to take in the NBA this season, check out what our expert handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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