Prediction: Charlotte Hornets VS Philadelphia 76ers 2025-07-12
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: NBA Summer League Showdown
July 12, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET | Implied Probabilities & EV Analysis
Key Statistics & Context
- Charlotte Hornets (1-0):
- Liam McNeeley (22 P, 12 R, 6 A) led a dominant win over Utah.
- Fresh Summer League roster, but early momentum suggests sharp execution.
- Philadelphia 76ers (1-3):
- Adem Bona (5.8 P, 4.2 R in 2023-24) is vocal and organized, aiming to anchor a new-look team.
- Judah Mintz, Justin Edwards, and VJ Edgecombe (28 P, 10 R in 1 game) show flashes of potential but lack cohesion.
- Head-to-Head: No prior Summer League history, but Hornets’ early success vs. 76ers’ 1-3 start tilts the psychological edge.
Injuries & Roster Notes
- No major injuries reported for either team.
- Charlotte leans on young, unproven players (e.g., McNeeley).
- Philadelphia has more experienced Summer League veterans (Bona, Edgecombe) but struggles with consistency.
Odds Breakdown
Moneyline:
- Charlotte Hornets: Decimal odds 1.47 → Implied probability 68.0%.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Decimal odds 2.72 → Implied probability 36.8%.
Spread:
- Charlotte -4.5 (-110) → Implied probability 52.3%.
- Philadelphia +4.5 (-110) → Implied probability 47.7%.
Total:
- Over/Under 177.5 → Even odds (50% implied for both).
EV Calculations & Adjustments
NBA Underdog Win Rate: 32% (favorites win 68%).
- Charlotte (Favorite):
- Implied: 68%.
- Adjusted: (68% + 68%) / 2 = 68%.
- EV Neutral (adjusted = implied).
- Philadelphia (Underdog):
- Implied: 36.8%.
- Adjusted: (36.8% + 32%) / 2 = 34.4%.
- Negative EV (adjusted < implied).
- Spread Analysis:
- Charlotte -4.5 (52.3% implied).
- Adjusted: If Charlotte’s margin of victory >4.5, they’re overvalued.
- Philadelphia +4.5 (47.7% implied).
- Adjusted: If 76ers cover the spread, their implied is undervalued.
Betting Strategy & Recommendation
- Charlotte’s Implied 68% is justified by their Summer League performance but overstates their edge given Philadelphia’s leadership (Bona) and potential for growth.
- Philadelphia’s 34.4% adjusted win rate vs. 36.8% implied = -1.4% EV (not viable).
- Spread Play:
- Philadelphia +4.5 is the smartest bet.
- The 76ers’ new-look roster may struggle to win but could cover the spread against a Charlotte team that’s yet to face a true test.
- EV Edge: If Philadelphia’s adjusted spread probability >47.7%, this becomes a +EV play.
- Total Over 177.5:
- Charlotte’s 22-12-6 game vs. Utah and Philadelphia’s 111-70 loss to San Antonio suggest high-scoring potential.
- Even odds make this a coin flip, but Over is slightly more logical.
Final Verdict
Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +4.5
Backup: Over 177.5
Why?
- Charlotte’s 68% implied win rate is inflated by a weak Utah win.
- Philadelphia’s +4.5 line offers value if their defense can slow Charlotte’s offense.
- Over/Under leans toward Over due to aggressive Summer League playstyles.
Confidence Level: 7/10 (Data-driven but hinges on 76ers’ defensive adjustments).
“The Hornets may be favored, but the 76ers’ ‘anchor’ Adem Bona might just drag them to a cover. And if not? At least there’s popcorn.” 🍿
Created: July 12, 2025, 4:03 p.m. GMT