Game: Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Odds: Heat -1.5, 76ers +1.5
Total: 217.5
The top two teams in the Eastern Conference clash tonight in Philadelphia as the Sixers host the Miami Heat. The Heat has won 15 of their last 19 games and six of their last eight. More importantly, they haven’t played since Friday night when they beat Oklahoma City 120-108. The Sixers are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games and are coming off a disappointing 93-88 loss to Toronto just yesterday. The lack of rest could be a factor for Philadelphia while injuries could play a role for Miami.
The injury list includes leading scorer Jimmy Butler who has an ankle issue. Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent are also questionable and Victor Oladipo is out tonight. One Heat player that will be on the floor tonight is Tyler Herro. He has been outstanding as of late scoring 25.9 points per game in nine games in March. His season average is now up to 21.1 points a game, an increase of six points over last year. In 11 of his last 12 games, Herro has scored at least 20 points and three times went for 30 or more.
The Heat won the last meeting between the two teams, which was played on March 5 in Miami. Playing at home, Miami won 99-82. The Sixers couldn’t muster much offense as James Harden did not play. Harden was on the floor yesterday as Philly also couldn’t produce on offense. Since Harden’s arrival in Philadelphia, the 76ers offense has been much better. Against two very good defensive teams – Toronto and Miami – the Sixers failed to reach 90 points.
Joel Embiid, who has been on a scoring tear of his own since the calendar turned to 2022, scored 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting yesterday. It was just the second time in his last 30 games that Embiid failed to score at least 25 points. Harden, who is averaging 22.4 points a game in Philly, had just 17.
Miami has had Philadelphia’s number over the last few seasons. The Heat are 2-1 against the Sixers this season and Miami is 6-3 SU in the last nine games. Miami is also 5-2 ATS in the last seven games with Philly. The Heat have been doing well on the road lately. Miami is 7-0-1 ATS in its last eight road games.
The Heat have not done well on the road in Philadelphia where the 76ers have won 10 of the last 13 games against Miami. The Sixers have not fared well against the number at home though. They are just 14-22 ATS at home this year and, in their last nine games overall, Philadelphia is just 2-6-1 ATS.
The total has gone Under in four of the Sixers’ last five home games and in four of the last five games against Miami. The Heat trend Over for the season with an O/U record of 41-30, but three of their last five games have seen the total go Under.