76ers vs Heat

The Sixers won't have Joel Embiid for at least the first two games of this series after he suffered an orbital bone fracture and concussion in his last ...

While I have concerns about the 76ers ability to slow down the Heat offensively, I think they can score enough to make this a close game. Most notably, the 76ers have the ability to go small and place four shooters around James Harden. The Heat give up a ton of 3s, ranking dead last in opponent frequency of 3-point field goal attempts (41.9 percent). Much of this handicap requires the assumption of rational coaching, which is tough when Doc Rivers is the head coach.

The Philadelphia 76ers — Temporarily led by James Harden — kick off the second round of the NBA playoffs tonight against the Miami Heat.

Starting point guard Kyle Lowry has already been listed as out for Game 1, and the team has a laundry list of players currently listed as questionable. Embiid did not travel with the team down to Miami as he recovers from his injuries suffered at the elbows of Pascal Siakam in Game 6 of the first round. Embiid was initially out indefinitely — and he still is — but now there’s optimism that he may be able to return for the 76ers as early as Game 3.

NBA Playoffs odds, picks, and predictions for the Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat on May 2. NBA betting free picks against the spread and Over/Under.

A well-rested Harden is one that can turn back the clock, at least for one night, and help the 76ers cover in Game 1. Heat predictions and picks in a single-game parlay, you could win $65.88 on a $10 bet? That extra breathing space means Harden will be able to break the paint, find open shooters, and keep the offense running to a degree Young was unable to achieve. Can James Harden, once the greatest isolation scorer in the NBA, turn back the clock and lift the 76ers to an unexpected victory in Game 1? Harden’s points per shot attempt and assist rate are both 94th percentile among point guards, marks that are only slightly below Young’s on both counts per Cleaning the Glass. But there is a key difference. With so many players questionable, the Heat are difficult to evaluate. But the most glaring problem is the quality of Embiid’s immediate replacements, as the 76ers backup center rotation is the worst of any of the contending teams. This is the definitive difference in how they play. The news that Joel Embiid suffered a concussion and an orbital fracture in Philadelphia's close-out game against the Toronto Raptors was utterly deflating. 76ers are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games playing on three or more days rest. The lines have seen major movement for Game 1 of 76ers vs. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs.

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to return to the court on Monday night to begin their second-round playoff series against the Miami Heat. After the Heat put ...

For now, the Sixers will run their offense through the ten-time All-Star James Harden and utilize the next-man-up mentality for the first two games on the road. While Embiid will have to get surgery at some point during the offseason, he made it clear he didn't intend to miss any playoff games. Going into Game 1 of the second round, both teams will miss key stars.

It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a 76ers-Heat prediction and pick for Monday's Game 1 and the series.

The Heat will cover the spread if they can clamp down defensively and stop the shorthanded Sixers from scoring on them. The Heat held the Sixers to under 100 points twice this season and will look to do so again. The Heat split the season series with the 76ers this season, winning one game at home and on the road. The Heat will be fine if they can convert on their 3-point shots and execute in clutch time. It will be a difficult showdown for the Sixers. Embiid is a special player, so not having him will hurt them. Turnovers are something the Heat have to control, as they ranked 25th during the regular season. Additionally, Philadelphia must win the battle on the boards while establishing a plan to get past Miami’s vaunted defense. Also, the Sixers will need Maxey and Harris to contribute in a big way as well. The Heat have been waiting for nearly a week for this series to start, as they polished off the Atlanta Hawks in five games. The Pauls (Reed and Millsap) will likely also see minutes and must help on the glass. Now, the Heat welcome the Sixers into their home and get ready to face a Philadelphia team without its top star. The Sixers cannot fully replace Embiid’s production, and Doc Rivers will likely try multiple options at center when he’s out.

We go over some of the best betting options for Monday's Game 1 matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.

Take the home team to win and cover in Game 1. This is a low total, especially if Butler and Herro both play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER ( 1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Miami went 3-2 against the spread in the first round and gets a 76ers team without its best player at home. Even without Lowry, the Heat are a tight defensive unit and should be able to prevent the 76ers from getting much done offensively. The 76ers will be without Joel Embiid, while Miami is down Kyle Lowry. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are listed as questionable, but both have said they plan on playing Monday.