New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia 76ers.
Stadium: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans.
Without Stan Van Gundy as a coach, New Orleans will start the new league season with a home game against Philadelphia. Will the Pelicans be able to celebrate? There are several betting options to choose from.
New Orleans are now at a crossroads
Last season it looked as if the Pelicans would start to tear everyone apart. But, as is often the case with teams in small markets, the team was torn apart by internal strife. Coach Van Gundy and one of the league’s most talented point guards, Lonzo Ball, eventually left the franchise. Zion Williamson, of course, stayed, and with him, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, but it’s unclear what kind of team this will be now.
The Pelicans will be led in the new championship by Willie Green, a specialist without any head coaching experience. Green has spent the last two seasons as Monty Williams’ assistant with the Phoenix Suns. Last season, New Orleans’ biggest problem was their defensive game. Is this the kind of coach who can fix that critical component of the game? There’s a lot of doubt about that.
Philadelphia don’t know what to do with Simmons
Leaving Ben Simmons on the team, by and large, is not an option. Now that’s a toxic element that won’t allow the team to develop comfortably. On the other hand, you can’t trade him now that team rosters are set. It’s a difficult situation that requires a strong-willed decision. But for now, there seems to be no one to make that decision. The New Zealander seems to be training with the team, but he definitely stays away.
Aside from Ben’s story, there hasn’t been anything meaningful happening in the offseason for the 76ers. Philadelphia have retained a core of Embiid, Harris, Danny Green, Seth Curry, and the rest, as well as coach Doc Rivers. The latter means that Philadelphia will be very successful in the regular season but will fail in the playoffs.
Expert Betting Tips
New Orleans approach the upcoming game without the injured Zion Williamson, while Philadelphia are messing because of Ben Simmons. Right now, both teams can be described as nothing short of problematic. However, Philadelphia still have a more experienced roster and coaching staff, so they have a better chance of winning the upcoming game. That’s the bookmakers’ view too. And we agree.
The prediction is a win for Philadelphia.
- Handicap 2 (-4) for 2.09;
- Individual Total 1 Under 110.5 for 1.90;
- W2 and Total Under 226.5 for 3.00.