2 min read • February 19, 2025
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As the NBA season reaches its midpoint, injuries become one of the most critical factors in assessing a team’s trajectory. Understanding how injuries have shaped the first half of the season—and how they will impact the second half—can provide a significant edge in the betting market, especially when it comes to futures like win totals. Teams dealing with key absences may struggle to reach their projected win totals, while those getting healthier could be primed for a strong finish.
Here are a few NBA win total bets worth considering based on key injury trends at the break. More insights and picks can be found at SIC Picks—links below.
Philadelphia 76ers Under 34.5 Wins
Injury Concerns – The 76ers have endured a disastrous start to the 2024-2025 campaign, and things do not appear to be improving. Joel Embiid began the season dealing with knee soreness and has not been the same player all year, looking nowhere near his former MVP self. The "PTO king" has played in just 17 games this season, averaging 24.9 points per game—his lowest since the 2019-2020 season. Additionally, new free-agent signee Paul George has been a disappointment, averaging under 20 points per game for the first time since the 2014-2015 season with the Pacers. He has also battled his own knee issues. With ongoing injury concerns for both stars, the 76ers’ struggles are likely to continue.
Orlando Magic Over 41.5 Wins
Injury Concerns – The first half of the season has been plagued by injuries for the Magic, as both of their star players have missed significant time. Paolo Banchero was sidelined for 34 games early in the year due to a torn oblique, while his running mate, Franz Wagner, also suffered a torn oblique and missed 20 games. However, both players have returned and should help fuel a strong second half for the Magic. The team does have a depth issue at center, as Moritz Wagner is out for the season with a torn ACL. Goga Bitadze has stepped up admirably in his absence, averaging 8.6 points and 8 rebounds per game—both career highs. With their core players back, the Magic are poised for a strong finish.
Atlanta Hawks Under 38.5 Wins
Injury Concerns – The biggest loss for the Hawks this season is forward Jalen Johnson, who has developed into one of the league’s best two-way forwards. Johnson was averaging career highs across the board with 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game before suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. The Hawks lack a quality replacement for Johnson, and with their division opponents improving in health, the outlook for Atlanta’s second half looks bleak. Expect their struggles to continue as they deal with the absence of their rising star.
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At SICscore.com, we provide expert insights from Dr. David Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) and other top sports doctors including Pro Basketball Doc John Hefferon MD to help fans and analysts understand the impact of injuries on the player and team. Here’s a summary of the latest insights. For full access to our expert NBA analysis, data, game previews and SIC Health Score ratings subscribe to SIC DATA from less than $1 a day here.
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