Expert prediction
NBA Play-In: Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Odds, and Picks (Apr 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Heat closed out the regular season with a win, advancing to this 7/8 play-in matchup.
- Philadelphia enters this game on an 8-game winning streak, with Joel Embiid back from injury.
- These two teams went 2-2 against each other this season, with the 76ers winning the last two.
The NBA regular season has concluded, and the play-in games are underway! Let’s preview this matchup between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers. The winner advances to face the New York Knicks, while the loser gets one more chance.
How to Watch
- ESPN
Preview
Miami improved on last season’s win total by 2 games, but finds themselves back in the Eastern Conference’s #8 position. They’ll be an intimidating presence after coming one game short of making the NBA Finals from that same spot last season. That being said, Miami faces a tough path if they want to return to the 2nd round and beyond. A win over the red-hot 76ers would earn them a rematch with the Knicks, but a loss may set them up against the Celtics. “Playoff Jimmy” will need to be at peak form.
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. He averaged over 30 points per game, 9 rpg, and 5 apg since returning to the court. With Embiid’s MVP-level play back in the mix, Phildelphia will be a force to be reckoned with, despite their position as the 7-seed. They may have slid during the games Embiid missed, but a win over the Heat will earn them a matchup against a Knicks team that was equally banged up.
Prediction
This is an excellent play-in game between two teams that are very capable of doing damage in the playoffs. With the 9/10 seed matchup taking place between two teams well below .500, it is likely that the winner of this game will face the Knicks and the loser will take on the Celtics. That provides a big enough incentive for winning, on top of avoiding an elimination game with the Bulls or Hawks. Ultimately, I see the 76ers being too much for the Heat, especially in Philadelphia with Embiid back in the lineup.
NBA Picks:
- 76ers 111, Heat 107 (PHI -170)
NBA
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