Heat vs. 76ers Prediction
Can a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers team hold off the Miami Heat when the two meet up tonight at 7PM ET?
501 Miami Heat vs. 502 Philadelphia 76ers
Thursday, February 21, 2019
7PM ET – Wells Fargo Center
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the 76ers are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -6.5 points against the Heat. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 220 points. The public betting for this game currently has 68 percent going on the 76ers at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Heat seeking some momentum
Miami is coming off a 112-101 win at Dallas before the break, but the Heat have won just two of their last eight games. Miami is now 26-30 on the season, 15-14 on the road, 29-27 against the spread and 28-28 with the over/under total.
The Heat have one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, allowing just 105.7 points per game while holding opponents to 44.3 percent shooting. Offensively, Miami is putting up just 105.1 points per game while shooting 44.6 percent as a team. Goran Dragic is questionable to return from his knee injury tonight. He has played just 14 games this season and is averaging 15.3 points and 4.9 assists per game. Josh Richardson is leading the team with 17.6 points per contest.
76ers without Embiid
Philadelphia is coming off a 126-111 win at New York just before the break for its third win and cover in four games. However, the team will be without Joel Embiid for the week due to a sore knee. Philadelphia is 37-21 on the season, 23-7 at home, 28-30 against the spread and 31-27 with the over.
The 76ers have been one of the better offensive teams in the league this season, averaging 115.9 points per game while shooting 47.5 percent as a team. Defensively, Philly is giving up 112.2 points per game while limiting opponents to 45.3 percent shooting. Embiid has been leading the team with 27.3 points and 13.5 rebounds per game while Ben Simmons is adding 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Miami
The Heat are 15-7 against the spread in their last 22 road games and 5-0 ATS in their last five division games.
Philadelphia
The 76ers are just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven conference games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven following a win.
Prediction:
Philly won the lone meeting this season in Miami, covering the spread in the process. The 76ers have won and covered in four straight meetings with the Heat. Miami has been a tough team to figure out this season, as they win some games they have no business winning and lose some they have no business losing. They are 18-11 against the spread on the road this season. Without Embiid, Philly loses a huge piece on both sides of the floor. Miami’s defense should have an easier time limiting the Philly offense. If Dragic returns, it can also give a boost to the Heat’s offense. I will take my chance with Miami and the points.
NBA Prediction: Miami Heat +6.5