The Miami Heat are taking on the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA play-in tournament tonight on ESPN at 7pm Est. The Heat have won 7 of their last 10 games. They blew past the Toronto Raptors in the regular season finale 118-108. Hopefully they can keep the momentum going against the 76ers tonight. The Heat will need an complete effort from Tyler Hero, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler to get passed Philadelphia tonight.
However, The 76ers finished the regular season with their 8th straight win with the victory over the Nets 107-86. The 76ers dominated the Nets and they are looking forward to continuing that winning streak as they host the Heat in the play-in tournament. The 76ers rank T1st in the league for steals per game this season (8.5) and rank 1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (6.2). The Heat rank 30th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.4) and rank 29th in the league for H2 points per game this season (53.3).
NBA Predictions and Odds of the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are the favorite for this matchup against the Heat tonight. The odds are -4.5 against the Heat. The Miami Heat have been known for beating the odds and making bets look mindless when betting against them. This should be a close matchup between the two teams tonight. The Miami Heat and 76ers have split the regular season series 2-2.
According to USA Today, ESPN and The Sporting news both have the 76ers having the slight advantage over the Heat tonight and getting the 7th seed. However, loser of this game will play either the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks for the 8th seed.
NBA Star Joel Embiid Questionable for Tonight’s Game
Joel Embiid did not play in the last game of the season against the Nets due to an injury. He is on the injured list a of now for tonight’s game. The decision will come before tip off if he plays tonight. Embiid did participate in the shootaround today even though he is listed as questionable. Without Embiid the Heat can take advantage of winning the 7th seed.
ESPN Analytics Play-in Tournament Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers
ESPN Analytics have the 76ers 56.3% chance of winning the 7th seed and a 43.7% for the Heat to pull of the upset. The 76ers are at -200 and the Miami Heat are at +165. Both teams mindsets tonight are win and you are in the playoffs. Lose and play again for the 8th seed and risk not making the playoffs. Tonight’s matchup will be a close one and exciting to watch on ESPN 7pm Est.