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Andrew Rogers
76ers vs. Miami Heat: Game 3 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
The Heat will look to prove them wrong – and to preserve home-court advantage – as they host Philadelphia in Game 3 on Thursday night. The Sixers are slight favourites at American Airlines Arena heading into the game, and are an overwhelming -455 to prevail in the series.
NBA Playoffs Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This one could still move either way depending on the status of 76ers big man Joel Embiid, who hasn’t been cleared to return from an orbital bone injury – and isn’t happy about it, claiming that the team is babying him. Philadelphia has been terrific even without Embiid in the lineup, having covered in 12 of its last 16 games while going 4-1 ATS in its previous five on the road. And the Heat have struggled at home, covering just once in their last five contests there.
Neither team is leaning toward a particular total trend heading into Game 3. The 76ers have gone above the number in five of their previous six games against Eastern Conference foes, but are 4-12 O/U in their last 16 road outings vs. teams with winning home records. Miami has gone below the total seven times in its past nine games on two days of rest, but is 12-3-1 O/U in its last 16 contests following a successful cover in their previous game.
Learn more about Over/Under betting on the NBA with our bet guide.
Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has missed the past 10 games due to injury – and while the 76ers have won nine of those contests, they’re absolutely a better team with their seven-footer in the lineup. The Heat have played Philadelphia tough in their own arena, covering three times with a push in their last four meetings in Miami. But the 76ers are on a mini-roll as a close favourite, having won three consecutive games with a spread between -1 and -2.5.
Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade’s 28-point outburst in Game 2 was a welcome sight for Miami fans and bettors alike – but it doesn’t always work out that way. Miami is just 3-3 SU in six games in which Wade has scored 15 or more points since returning to South Beach in a deadline trade with Cleveland. That said, three of those games have come against the 76ers – and with Wade averaging 20.5 points in his last four encounters with Philadelphia, look for more of the same in Game 3.
