The NBA regular season has concluded and the play-in games are now underway. This game features a matchup between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will advance to face the New York Knicks in the first round, while the loser gets one more chance at a play-in game before elimination.
Before Betting on Heat vs 76ers
Miami improved on last season’s win total by two games, climbing from 44-38 to 46-36. Unfortunately, they finished in the same position as the Eastern Conference’s #8 seed. The Heat should be an intimidating presence after coming one game short of making the NBA Finals from that same spot last season.
On the other hand, Miami faces an even tougher path this season to return to the 2nd round and beyond. They begin with this one-and-done road matchup against the 76ers, who have won eight straight games. If they pull off the win, Miami will earn a rematch with the Knicks, who they eliminated last season. However, a loss sends them to an an elimination game and then potentially the Boston Celtics.
The 76ers are currently on an 8-game winning streak, spurred on by the return of Joel Embiid, who participated in five of those wins. Embiid has averaged over 30 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, and 5 assists per game since returning to the court, while also remaining a menace on the defensive end.
With Embiid’s MVP-level play back in the mix, Phildelphia will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, despite their current position as the 7-seed. They may have lost some footing in the standings while Embiid was out, but a win over the Heat here would continue to set them back on the right path. A potential matchup with the Knicks awaits the 76ers if they advance.
Heat vs 76ers Offshore Odds
With the 9/10 seed matchup taking place between the 39-43 Bulls and the 36-46 Hawks, it is likely that the winner of this game will face the Knicks and the loser will take on the Celtics. With Joel Embiid back on the court, the 76ers size may be too much for Miami to handle. Philadelphia should win a close one here.
