The NBA Play-In tournament continues today with the Eastern Conference bracket, starting with the Heat vs. 76ers in tonight’s ESPN doubleheader. The two split their season series 2-2 despite Joel Embiid only playing in one of the games. The one game Embiid played was earlier this month in a 109-105 victory for Philadelphia.
It was the second game back for the Sixers’ superstar after missing the previous two months due to a lingering knee injury. In the contest, he finished with 29 points on 50% from deep. Tyrese Maxey also chipped in 37 points to help seal the victory. Despite their dominant performances, a big first quarter from the Sixers was the difference in the tough fought game.
The winner of tonight’s game is guaranteed the No. 7 seed and gets to rest while the remaining teams duke it out for the No. 8 seed. Given what’s on the line tonight, fans should expect another competitive battle between the two. If you’re looking for betting insight for this one, check below for the live odds for the game and additional betting information, including player props. The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Heat vs. 76ers odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total
Here are the latest NBA betting odds for tonight’s game at top-rated US sportsbooks:
Miami Heat betting news and analysis
The Miami Heat still haven’t landed a traditional superstar, and yet, they are primed to make noise in the postseason again thanks to their hodge podge of talents. They have four players who average 20 points per game or just under. Their offensive distribution makes them a threat to any opponent, but that advantage of theirs won’t be as potent in this contest.
The Heat will be without their third leading scorer in Terry Rozier due to a neck injury. That’s about 20 points missing from the lineup. In his place, they’ll have to turn to Kyle Lowry, who is a big drop off at this point in his career. Rozier has been sidelined since April 7. The only competitive game Miami has played since then was against Dallas, and it resulted in a lopsided loss.
Philly will be the Heat's toughest opponent since the devastating loss for them, and based on their schedule since his injury, it’s hard to know if they are prepared for the road ahead.
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Philadelphia 76ers betting news and analysis
Philly fought tremendously not to get bounced out of playoff positioning while Embiid was out. The Sixers went 11-18 during the two-month stretch without him. When he returned in April, they picked up right where they left off, winning their final seven games of the season. Embiid’s presence obviously paid dividends, but the others kept up their elevated play from when he was sidelined, which makes them more of a threat in playoff time.
In April, Maxey is averaging 30 points on 50% shooting from the field and 35.6% shooting from deep. Kelly Oubre is averaging 18.9 points per game in April on 47% from the field and 35% from deep. Tobias Harris is also chipping in 17 points per contest in April on 46% from the field and 50% from deep. In their last eight games of the season, they are averaging 119 points per game.
Philly isn’t your traditional seven seed, which makes them a difficult out in the play-in.
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Heat vs. 76ers game props at BetMGM
Although injuries have plagued their matchups this season, the games have still been competitive. The average margin of victory is less than six points. With the shooters both teams have available on their rosters, a two-possession game is never out of reach for either. Expect a tightly contested game that the stars will determine down the stretch. With that said, below are some of the best player props we found for the matchup at BetMGM sportsbook.
Joel Embiid player props
- UNDER points ()
- UNDER rebounds ()
- OVER threes ()
Tyrese Maxey player props
- OVER assists ()
- OVER 30 points (+230)
Jimmy Butler player props
- OVER points ()
- UNDER rebounds ()
Tyler Herro player props
- OVER points ()
- UNDER threes ()
Sixers vs. Heat prediction ATS
Embiid is the best player taking the court in tonight’s matchup. Had it not been for injury, he could be on his way to second consecutive MVP award. However, securing the win and avoiding an additional game to rest will suffice for him and the Sixers’ fan base for now. Look for him to dominate early and often in this matchup.
Prediction: Philadelphia
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