NBA Wednesday: The Return of Joel Embiid — Greg Frank picks Sixers vs Jazz and Wizards vs Pacers

Sixers (+2) @ Jazz (211)

Pick: Jazz -2 and Under 211

Joel Embiid returns from his suspension tonight for the Sixers, but we’re not recommending wagering on Philly on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City. There’s a reason Jazz center Rudy Gobert has won back-to-back defensive player of the year awards. He’s good enough to severely limit Embiid’s offensive impact tonight. Far too often has Ben Simmons been either unwilling or unable to take over games that Embiid does not play in or is neutralized offensively. Then when you consider Philadelphia’s biggest weakness on that side of the floor is its outside shooting, and I’m not seeing how the Sixers score a lot in this one. Embiid’s impact defensively is night and day however so this shapes up to be a defensive struggle that likely stays competitive into the fourth quarter. Utah head coach Quin Snyder has been a finalist for coach of the year before and is someone I trust more to put his players in better situations down the stretch than Brett Brown. Couple that with Utah always being a good home court advantage and the Jazz are the only side I can look to here in addition to the under.

Wizards (+3) @ Pacers (224)

Pick: Pacers -3

Tonight’s game in Indianapolis represents a good buy low opportunity on the home team. I would say it’s also a sell high opportunity on the visitors but despite a 5-1 ATS record, Washington’s 2-4 straight up probably doesn’t attract much of a betting bandwagon. Indiana entered the season with a top four seed in the East and home court advantage to open the playoffs very much attainable. A pair of losses to Detroit early on as well as losses to Cleveland and Charlotte will get a lot of casual bettors off a team quickly. However, the Pacers have still gone 2-1 both straight up and ATS at home so far this season. It doesn’t appear as if Victor Oladipo's return is coming any time soon for Indiana. Without their best player, there’s more of an emphasis on taking care of business at home against sub-500 teams for Indiana since road games and any games against better competition than the Wizards will obviously be more difficult. Malcolm Brogdon has been an excellent addition for Indiana so far and should dominate in this one. Look for the Pacers to become more consistent in November with Brogdon leading the way until Oladipo suits up.

WANNA BET NBA BASKETBALL?

In New Jersey: PointsBet.com, Promo code: BETTORS (You can get two risk-free bets up to $1,000 if you qualify.) William Hill NJ (Deposit $50, get $50 cash) RIvers Casino NJ* (First deposit match up to $250)

In Pennsylvania: Rivers Casino PA* (First deposit match up to $250); Rivers Casino Pittsburgh* (First deposit match up to $250). Only 1x Wager Applies, Playable in PA Only

In most of Europe: William Hill UK; Pinnacle (No UK or Portugal); Asian Odds (No UK or Portugal)

In Asia: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

In parts of South America: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

In parts of Africa: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

*Note: First Deposit Bonus may only be claimed once per person across all Rivers websites

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER