Here are The Game Day’s 76ers vs Wizards prediction and bets for the 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series. After our 76ers-Wizards Round 1 series preview, check out our 2021 NBA Playoffs Power Rankings & our full 2021 NBA Playoffs Guide.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards Prediction: 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Bet Tips & Pick
Philadelphia 76ers 2020-2021 Recap
While it took longer than expected, trusting “the process" seems to have finally paid off. The 76ers are the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and the only major change this offseason was at head coach, with Doc Rivers taking over.
Joel Embiid is enjoying his best season as a pro and would be more legitimately in the MVP conversation had he played more games. His play at home is a big reason why the 76ers have been so dominant in Philadelphia this season, holding a 29-7 record, but Embiid was on the floor for only four of those losses.
The Sixers’ homecourt advantage is a real thing, and opponents will have a tough time stealing a win in the Wells Fargo Center.
Washington Wizards 2020-2021 Recap
What the Wizards have been able to accomplish at the end of this season has been incredible. Most fans and analysts gave the Wizards zero chance at the postseason, since they held a 17-32 record in April.
However, they finally caught their stride. Russell Westbrook increased his aggressiveness and was playing back-to-backs, while Bradley Beal played like one of the best scorers in the league. Washington then won 11 of their next 12 games, followed up by a decent May.
Following a dominating win over the Indiana Pacers in the Play-In Tournament, they have reached the NBA Playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards Matchup
The Wizards escaped the play-in tournament to reach the NBA Playoffs, but they were “rewarded" with playing the 76ers. Philadelphia won all three regular-season meetings between these teams. The massive reason for this was the domination of Embiid. Washington has struggled to defend the paint all season long.
While Robin Lopez and Daniel Gafford have helped the Wizards improve in this category down the stretch of the season, expecting either player to contain Embiid is silly. Washington will need to score quickly and drain threes at a high rate in order to extend this series.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards Prediction
76ers in 5 Games: While Westbrook gets a lot of hate from the internet, you won’t hear it from me. I am not going to be the person to doubt him, which is why I will give the Wizards a single game. In actuality, this series has the highest probability to be a sweep.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards Bet Pick
Series Spread: Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 (-200) at BetMGM
This series shouldn’t be close. Picking the Sixers to win the series straight up is not worth it, at -1000 odds. So, taking the spread for the series make the bet worthwhile, and it hits as long as Philadelphia wins in four, five or six games.
