The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat open their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup at FTX Arena. This series looks like a layup for the Heat if you listen to the oddsmakers and the public.
The injury to Joel Embiid happened when the Sixers were up 29 points with 4 minutes left in the game… pic.twitter.com/EVbtn52ZnE
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 30, 2022
Joel Embiid’s injury changes the whole dynamic of the series, as what was going to be projected to be close, is projected to be an easy assignment for the Heat. Are the 76ers being disrespected without Embiid in the lineup, though?
Embiid is OUT indefinitely with a concussion. The 76ers finished off the Toronto Raptors in six games, but lost Embiid in the process.
That’s clearly a huge blow for the 76ers, who have had bad luck with Embiid staying healthy. The concussion was a freak thing that isn’t a reflection of him being a glass doll. The 76ers have to pick themselves up and believe that they can win without Embiid.
This is still a good team without Embiid on the floor. Tobias Harris will be asked to do a lot more around the rim, while James Harden may have to go off this entire series. Tyrese Maxey may be the deciding factor for the 76ers, though.
The Heat are coming off a five-game series against the Atlanta Hawks. It didn’t take them long to send the Hawks packing following a 97-94 win in Game 5.
Head below for our free 76ers vs. Heat Game 1 prediction on May 2, 2022.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Game 1 Live Betting Odds:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | +7.5 (-110) | +290 | Over 208.5 (-110) |
| Miami Heat | -7.5 (-110) | -380 | Under 208.5 (-110) |
|
Rank
|
Betting Site
|
Bonus | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Bovada
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 2 | 
BetUS
|
125% up to $2,500 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 
MyBookie
|
100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 4 | 
Everygame
|
100% up to $500 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 
BetOnline
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| Team Data | Philadelphia 76ers | Miami Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 55-33 | 57-30 |
| ATS Record | 41-45-2 | 49-37-1 |
| Away/Home Record | 29-15 | 32-12 |
| ATS Away/Home | 22-20-2 | 23-21-0 |
| Points Per Game | 109.9 | 110.0 |
| Points Against Per Game | 107.3 | 105.6 |
| Field Goal % | 46.6 | 46.7 |
| Three Point % | 36.4 | 37.9 |
76ers vs. Heat Prediction:
The 76ers need their best from James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. My only concern with giving the keys to Harden is that he can get erratic and try to do too much.
With Embiid on the floor, Harden was prevented from freelancing and doing his own thing. Having said that, Maxey should keep Harden honest in this one. He’s the x-factor in this series, and I could see him coming out with a solid performance in Game 1.
Maxey averaged 17.5 points per game on 48.5% shooting in his second season in the NBA. He helped distribute the ball as well, with 4.3 assists per game. Note that Kyle Lowry will not be around to bother Maxey.
Kyle Lowry is still recovering from a hamstring injury and will not be available in Game 1. He exited the third game against the Hawks and never returned.
Jimmy Butler isn’t at 100% going into Game 1. Butler has a sore knee that he’s been resting. He’s listed as questionable, but will likely give it a go. Tyler Herro and PJ Tucker are also listed as questionable to play.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Game 1 Betting Trends:
76ers
- 5-0 ATS in their previous five games on a three-day rest or more
- 7-2 ATS in their previous nine games as an underdog on the road
- 7-3 ATS in their previous ten games on a Monday
- 8-3 ATS in their previous 11 games versus a team with a winning percentage better than 60%
- 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games
- UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games
Heat
- 10-2 ATS in their previous 12 playoff games as a betting favorite
- 5-1 ATS in their previous six games at home
- 7-2 ATS in their previous nine games versus a team with a winning record
- 36-16 ATS in their previous 52 games on a three-day rest or more
- UNDER is 5-0 in their previous five games
- UNDER is 4-0 in their previous four games at home
The Heat didn’t need Lowry to finish off the Hawks in the previous round. However, this time would be beneficial against Maxey and Harden. Maxey doesn’t get proper recognition, but I think right away in Game 1, he will take some of the sting off losing Embiid. He has averaged 23.7 points a game in games that Embiid hasn’t participated in.
TYRESE MAXEY IS IN THE ZONE pic.twitter.com/ehaICFOGyQ
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 29, 2022
It’s will be tough to win this one straight-up, having to depend on Harris around the rim. However, the 76ers’ backcourt should do enough to keep this one close and within 7 points. The line looks a touch too inflated here in Game 1.
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