Ricky Dimon
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Merry Christmas, basketball fans! It’s the best day of the regular season, at least if you are in the business of quality instead of quantity. There are 5 games on Sunday’s NBA schedule, and all 5 are being televised nationally on ESPN. The embarrassment of riches begins at 12:00 pm ET with the New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers. Below is my 76ers vs Knicks Same Game Parlay for Sunday’s showdown inside Madison Square Garden, but also be sure to check out all of our NBA picks for today’s festive slate.
76ers -2.5 (-106)
De’Anthony Melton over 2.5 threes (+118)
RJ Barrett to score 25+ points (+130)
Same Game Parlay odds: +882
Part of the value in Same Game Parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as De’Anthony Melton making a few 3-pointers would obviously go well with a Philadelphia win and cover. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with backing RJ Barrett to score at least 25 points for the Knicks, but even if he does there is no reason why the 76ers can’t take care of business.
Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 over New York Knicks (-106)
The Knicks won the first meeting between these 2 teams 106-104 last month and that was in Philadelphia. However, Joel Embiid was sidelined for that contest so this is a completely different matchup. But Tyrese Maxey is now out, you say? Well, it’s clear that the 76ers have learned how to win without him. They are on a 7-game winning streak heading into Sunday’s affair, with 5 of those victories coming by double-digits. Joel Embiid and company are completely dominating opponents for the most part, and speaking of Embiid he is averaging 33.0 ppg for the season and 36.0 ppg in the month of December. The Knicks had been on an 8-game surge of their own but have since lost 2 in a row. Give me the Sixers against a modest spread.
Be sure to check out our full Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks predictions
De’Anthony Melton over 2.5 threes (+118)
The last time these 2 teams met, Melton attempted 11 3-pointers and drained 3. Embiid’s absence allowed Melton to play a big role in Philly’s rotation, but now that Embiid is back it’s Maxey who is sidelined. Thus continues Melton’s prominence in the offense. He has logged at least 34 minutes in 6 of 8 games this month and has attempted double-digit field goals in 6 of 8 – including at least 7 treys in 7 of 8. The former USC standout has successfully dialed long distance 3 times or more on 6 occasions this month, highlighted by an 8-for-12 effort from downtown during a 133-122 overtime victory over the Lakers on December 9. The Knicks are giving up the 8th-most 3-pointers per game, so look for Melton to remain hot from deep.
RJ Barrett to score 25+ points (+130)
Barrett is most definitely on a scoring binge, with a 27.3 ppg average over the past 8 games. The former Duke star has been especially hot of late, as his 2 most recent point totals are 30 and 44. In the previous matchup with Philadelphia, he went for 22 points even though Embiid was out and New York’s focus was pounding the ball down low with Julius Randle, Obi Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein. It should also be noted that Barrett is scoring 2.6 more ppg at home than on the road and is shooting much better from the floor, from 3 and from the free-throw line when he is in the friendly confines of MSG. Count on Barrett continuing his hot streak.
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