76ers vs. Heat Pick
The 17-game winning streak of the Philadelphia 76ers came to a crashing halt Monday night in Game 2 of their first round series versus the Miami Heat. Is Philadelphia going to regroup to win Game 3 tonight as the series moves to Miami?
Game Snapshot
523 Philadelphia 76ers at 524 Miami Heat
Thursday, April 19, 2018
American Airlines Arena at 7PM ET
TV: TNT
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWagerYouWager, the Sixers are a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 217 points. As of Thursday afternoon, 75 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Philadelphia. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date inforrmation.
Embiid still doubtful
Sixers star center Joel Embiid has missed the last several weeks with an orbital fracture and recently expressed displeasure with not being back on the court. But Embiid is still listed as doubtful for tonight’s game, so Philly will likely run out the same starting lineup as Game 2 when they went small ball from the start with Ersan Ilyasova at the five. While the small ball had a great deal of sucess in the series opener, Game 2 saw Miami end Philadelphia’s long winning streak with a 113-103 decision. Embiid averaged 22.9 points and 11 boards in 63 regular season games and although the 76ers managed to go on a long winning streak without him, they are a much better team with their skilled center in the lineup.
Wade turns back clock
Crazy things are capable in the playoffs and seeing Dwyane Wade resemble his younger self for one night was special. Wade tallied 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists over 26 minutes off the bench. He shot 11-of-16 from the field. With two full days of rest before this game, it’s very possible Wade has another strong game tonight even if it’s not quite to the level of Game 2. Goran Dragic was second on Miami in scoring with 20 on 8-of-14 shooting.
NBA Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The Sixers are 0-3-1 ATS in the last four meetings in Miami. Philadelphia is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games following a straight up loss.
Miami
The Heat are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games following a straight up win. The under is 6-1 in the last seven Miami conference quarterfinals games.
Prediction:
Philadelphia finally fell on hard times after its remarkable winning streak and now heads to a tough environment in Miami. The Heat won both meetings in Miami straight up this season and went 1-0-1 ATS. Those two games had Embiid available. Since it doesn’t sound like he will play tonight, I’m going to side with the home team here.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: MIAMI HEAT +1