The set-up: I'm expecting very little defense played between these hungry non-conference opponents. Philadelphia comes in having split its last eight games. Overall the 76ers are averaging 114.5 PPG, while allowing 111.6. Big man Joel Embiid leads the nightly charge with 26.5 points and 13.3 boards per game. Philadelphia comes in having won five of its last eight on the road. The Blazers have split their last ten and they'll be eager to get back on track after a loss to the Warriors at home last night. Portland upset Golden State on its home floor on Thursday, so the visitors were out for revenge last night. Regardless, Portland is averaging 110.9 PPG and allowing 110.8 and it's led by Damian Lillard with 26.7 points and 5.8 assists per game.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Philadelphia has seen the total go "over" the number in 14 of its last 22 as a favorite and in ten of 17 on the road, while Portland has seen the total go "over" in eight of 11 non-conference contests. This number low, play the "over."

10* play