Bad Look For The League

These are the dog days of the NBA season, so it can be a challenge for the association to generate fan excitement, particularly with the load management that has become so common in today's league. Monday night's game between the Sixers and Nuggets — more importantly Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokic, the two frontrunners for MVP — was a prime example of this issue, as a much-anticipated battle for likely MVP supremacy was ruined by Embiid's unexpected absence 😢

Embiid sat out due to calf soreness and fatigue in what would have been a rare must-see regular season matchup. This issue goes way past Embiid, as the unprecedented level of stars taking games off is hurting the NBA product. The number of guys like Mikal Bridges is shrinking every season 👀

Tonight's Sixers-Mavs matchup will hopefully include Embiid, although his status is still somewhat up in the air. Philadelphia is reeling from three straight losses, and is now 2.5 games back from the Celtics for the No. 2 spot in the East, with just seven games remaining

• The Sixers are taking on a Dallas squad that has been equally underwhelming of late, and is now in danger of missing the Play-In tournament and heading toward a disastrous offseason 😐

Mavs vs. Sixers Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: Sixers -5

• Moneyline: Sixers -210 (bet $210, win $100), Mavs +180 (bet $100, win $180)

• O/U: 231

• When: 7:30PM EST on ESPN

Stars Galore

If we can get a load management-free matchup tonight, we'll be watching some of the league's most marketable stars take the court. Embiid, James Harden, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are all likely among the top-10 most well-known names in the league. While Philly's star status has aligned with their strong record this year, it has not been the case for the hapless Mavericks, who are sporting the most depressing vibes of the Doncic era 😬

Hopes were high following the midseason acquisition of Kyrie, but the duo has failed to gel, with a lowly 4-8 record in their games together. The greater issue has been the meager roster outside of the team's two stars, as they have struggled to replace the depth given up in the Irving trade

• Despite a horrendous defense and all-around low morale, Dallas always has a chance when Luka Magic suits up. This pass was absolutely insane 👇

Philadelphia's success this season has been largely overshadowed by Embiid's much-publicized MVP push vs. Jokic, but the Sixers have quietly assembled a very complete roster. Last reason's squad lacked the depth and shooting firepower of a true contender, but Philly entered this season with a much more well-rounded breadth of talent 💪

• Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton and PJ Tucker are all quality role players with strong complementary skill sets. James Harden is playing rejuvenated basketball after a down year, and forms an elite guard combo with speedster Tyrese Maxey

• Of course, it all boils down to Embiid, who will be highly motivated to put on a show after his absence cost him the lead in the MVP race 📉

It's exciting to have an NBA race come down to the last few games of the season. Don't rule out Giannis as well (+400), who has made a late push as of late with some ridiculous stats 🇬🇷

For My Parlay Gurus

The Mavericks simply can't guard anyone right now, I mean they recently lost back-to-back games vs. the tanking Hornets. Embiid will manhandle their weak interior defense if he's available, and I'm hoping he gives it a go. More losses will leave Dallas pondering its future with a disgruntled Luka and likely-to-leave Kyrie 👀

• Sixers -5 vs. Mavs: -110

• Nets -12.5 vs. Rockets: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $264 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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