SEASON FORECASTS AND FUTURES PICKS

Philadelphia was projected to be a 55 win team if they were able to bring back their roster from last season. Without Redick and Jimmy Butler they slip to a 50 win team. By getting Al Horford they move back up to a 53 win team. Their odds to win it all are 8/1, 11.1% (#4). They are a good bet to win the championship (14.6 percent chance). In simulations, they win the East 27.3% of the time and are not a good value at 3/2, 40%. The 76ers are averaging 53 wins per sim so we recommend betting them to come under 55 wins. At -10000 the 76ers are a good value to make the playoffs with a 100% chance. Their odds of winning their division are 2/5, 71.4%. They win the division in 68.4% of simulations. Their average wins per simulation puts them at #2 in the East.

For winning picks against the spread, total and money line for all NBA games by our proven computer model and leading handicappers visit SportsLine.com where you can also get fantasy basketball and daily fantasy optimal lineups from CBSSports' Top Experts.

REGULAR SEASON RECAP AND UPCOMING GAMES

They were expected to win 60% of their games last season so their 51-31 met expectations. They were not good against the spread going 38-44 (-1040 loss). They went over 43 times and came in under 39 times. They are favored in their upcoming game vs the Boston Celtics. The table below shows their upcoming games, their simulation based win percentage and their recent head to head record (WL, ATS, OU).

TEAM STATISTICAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

SHOOTING (STRENGTH): This is an above average shooting team with a true FG% of 57.3% (#6 in League). The team shooting has declined to 54.1% in their last 7 games. They average 115.2 pts per game vs an expected average (based on pre-game odds) of 114.7. On the road they average 112.1 (113.1 expected), and at home 118.2 ppg (116.4 expected).

DEFENSE (STRENGTH): This is an elite defensive team holding opponents to 54.9 true FG% (#5 in League). They allow 112.5 pts per game vs an expected value of 111.4. They are allowing 114.8 (113 expected) on the road, and at home 110.2 ppg (109.8 expected).

REBOUNDING (STRENGTH): They significantly outrebound opponents by an average of +4.9 per game (#1 in league).

TURNOVERS (WEAKNESS): Their average turnover margin is -2.5 per game (#30 in league).

TEAM FANTASY LEADERS

The table below show the most valuable fantasy players on the team led by Ben Simmons who is projected to be the #6 Forward. The Better Option column shows the player directly above him and the Better Than column shows the player directly below him in the projected position rankings.