The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Miami Heat in game 5 of their playoff series. Game 5 will be an elimination game as the 76ers lead the series, 3 games to 1. Philadelphia took command of this series after beating the Heat in consecutive games on the road. The Sixers look to finish off the Heat, while Miami wants to force a game 6 back in South Beach.
Everyone was anxious to see how the young Sixers would look in their first playoff series, and so far they have passed the test. The veteran players of the Miami Heat hope that their experience in elimination games can keep the pressure on their opponent. The Miami Heat are +9.5 as the underdogs at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
Sixers Look to Finish the Job
The Philadelphia 76ers look poised to win their first playoff series since the 2011-12 season. The Sixers are returning home after impressively winning both games on the road in Miami. The return of center, Joel Embiid, provided a spark to the young 76ers team, and they now look to be firing on all cylinders. The Sixers look to not only be a threat to win this series, but a favorite to win the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia was able to win game 4 despite committing a whopping 26 turnovers on offense. The Sixers must take better care of the ball in game 5 if they want to eliminate the Heat. Rookie Ben Simmons continues to play at a high level in these playoffs. Simmons recorded another triple double in their game 4 victory, tallying 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Heat Must Keep Fighting
The Miami Heat got extremely physical with the Sixers in game 4, and their tactic almost worked. The Heat frustrated the Sixers, but weren’t able to score enough points to even the series at two games a piece. Miami must keep fighting, both literally and figuratively, if they want to win game 5 and extend the series.
Veteran Dwayne Wade continues to give the Heat great games in this series. Wade scored a team high 25 points in game 4 while also providing leadership. Center Hassan Whiteside finally played well for the Heat and had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Wade and Whiteside look to lead their team to a game 5 win on the road.
Heat Keep it Close, Sixers Advance
The Miami Heat and head coach, Erik Spoelstra have been in this position before. They know what it takes to steal a game on the road and keep their playoff dreams alive. The Heat will continue to be physical with the young 76ers, and they will have a plan ready to stop the young Sixers stars.
Philadelphia has looked great so far in the playoffs, but now the stakes get even higher in an elimination game. The Philadelphia crowd will be amped up and ready to celebrate a playoff series win. The Sixers will have to play a complete game if they want to eliminate the Heat. Bet on the Miami Heat +9.5 over the Philadelphia 76ers -3 in Game 5.
