T.M. Selection: Philadelphia 76ers.

I like the Philadelphia 76ers to cover the spread against the Oklahoma City Thunder in this game on Friday. The 76ers just lost their most recent game against the Suns and I think they are going to bounce back here. Losing to the Suns is understandable since they boast the best record in the league this year and I think it is time for the 76ers to get back on a roll. They have lost 3/4 games in their previous 4 but before that they had won 5 games in a row and I expect them to get back to that now. The 76ers have looked great lately and they have taken over the 1st place spot in their division from the Nets. It is also very exciting in Philadelphia at the moment since they have finally dumped Ben Simmons trading him to the Nets for James Harden. Harden won't be able to play in this game but I don't think they are going to even need him here to lay a beating on the Thunder. The 76ers were already playing very well but now they will be even better as they search for an NBA title this year. I think the 76ers are going to have a lot of confidence and momentum on their side in this game due to that trade and the atmosphere it brings along with it. I expect the 76ers players to play more energized tonight knowing that news and that their team just got even stronger. The Thunder have started to skid again anyway losing 3 games in a row and I expect them to continue losing games. They had a bit of a hot streak over a week ago but now that has faded and until they get Gilgeous-Alexander back in their rotation, they look like a team that struggles to compete every night. I don't even think the 76ers would need that trade to go through to win this game by 20+ points but the news alone brings energy to the entire organization. I'm expecting a strong performance for the 76ers here, I like them to cover the spread in this game.

T.M. Prediction: 124-99 76ers.