After a stinging Super Bowl defeat for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philly faithful can turn their attention to basketball. However, they may be watching a Philadelphia 7ers team playing without Joel Embiid. The latest Joel Embiid injury update lists him as questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bettors should evaluate Embiid’s status before locking in any bets on this game.
The Cavaliers-76ers game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, so bettors and NBA DFS players should keep an eye on the news before lock. Bettors looking for an edge on NBA prop bets or spreads should check out the OddsShopper tools to find sharp NBA bets on the board. Premium subscribers are using the OddsShopper tools on a nightly basis to find high ROI bets and turn in a profitable NBA betting season.
Joel Embiid Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
It should come as no surprise that Embiid has landed on the NBA injury report with left foot soreness. The superstar has delt with foot issues throughout his career, missing occasional games for maintenance purposes. That said, the questionable tag comes after Joel Embiid played in ten straight games, posting up gaudy numbers. Embiid has averaged 31.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the stretch.
Embiid’s official injury designation did not come until the 6:40 p.m. injury report. There is no word on whether he practiced during the team’s afternoon session. It’s unclear whether the injury is new or simply that the Philadelphia 76ers are considering giving their center extra rest before the NBA All-Star weekend.
Philadelphia made two other transactions on the day, signing Mac McClung from their G-League affiliate and adding veteran Center Dwayne Dedmon, according to NBA.com. It’s possible for both to see action if Embiid isn’t playing tomorrow night. Regardless, Mac McClung is set to participate in the NBA Dunk Contest this Saturday.
The Philadelphia 76ers plan to sign guard Mac McClung on two-way NBA contract out of their G League Delaware Blue Coats affiliate, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. On cusp of his Dunk Contest appearance, McClung gets call up to the NBA.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 14, 2023
The Philadelphia 76ers still have plenty of firepower without Embiid. James Harden leads the way, while Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris should see increased usage. James McDaniels has been their sixth man since acquiring him at the trade deadline, but he could be inserted into the starting lineup in Embiid’s absence. Other possibilities to start at the five are Montrezl Harrell, Paul Reed or the newly signed Dedmon.
Despite these weapons, the 76ers will need all the offense they can muster against a stout Cleveland defense. The Cavaliers are particularly strong in the paint, featuring twin towers Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
If Embiid does play, the game will be a showdown of NBA All Star teammates Joel Embiid and Donovan Mitchell.
Cavaliers-76ers NBA Betting & DFS Advice
Wednesday’s Cavaliers-76ers matchup is a big one in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is 3rd in the standings while the Cavaliers are in 4th place and just one game back. There’s a chance the two will meet again in the playoffs, possibly even the Eastern Conference Finals.
If Embiid is out, the 7ers will remain a small favorite in this game. Bettors should track the opening line to see how sharp market making books price it. If Cleveland is favored, or getting less than a couple of points there will be significant value on the Philadelphia side. NBA prop bettors should be on the lookout for injury news and any information they can glean on Embiid’s replacement. OddsShopper will be updated immediately with the sharpest prop bets as the betting markets react.
NBA DFS players will have several value options to choose from if Embiid is sidelines. Whoever starts for the Philadelphia 76ers will be a hard value to ignore. The most likely scenario is that McDaniels sees an uptick in minutes, and at $3,300 for tomorrow’s DraftKings slate he will be an east play at either SF or PF. Reed and Harrell are $3,900 and $3,100, respectively. Dwayne Dedmon has yet to be added to the player pool.
Books will be quick to adjust to the Joel Embiid injury, but continue to monitors the market. DraftKings Sportsbook should still have values on the player prop markets. Readers yet to register at DraftKings can earn $150 in bonus bets with a $5 wager! Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead.
