Heat Battle 76ers in Play-In Game, Winner Gets The Knicks

In a way it is surprising to see the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat meet in a play-in

game to see who continues on in the East. Both teams were considered top contenders to sit

atop the Eastern Conference standings at the beginning of the season, but injuries derailed

those plans. Nevertheless both teams were in the race for the top six until the very end. The

winner of this contest will match-up against the New York Knicks. The loser on the other hand

will take on the winner of the 9/10 play-in of the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks to see who

faces the number 1 seeded Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are the hottest team heading into this play-in tournament and are looking to add on to

their eight game win streak which includes a victory over the Miami Heat. Philly is looking at

home court advantage for this one and they’re 4-0 through their last four home games.

Strength

Obviously having Joel Embiid back in the mix after a long-term layoff is huge. He came back at

the start of April and is averaging 30.4 points since his return. A player who stepped up in

Embiid’s absence and beyond is Tyrese Maxey. Maxey is averaging 25.9 points on the season

and has surpassed that mark in four of his last five games.

Weakness

It’s nothing new in saying the 76ers are top heavy once again with their game running through

Embiid. This game, and their playoff run, is literally weighing on Embiid’s knee. But will it hold

up?

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat were in a similar position just one year ago and made it all the way to the NBA

Finals. They’re 3-1 through their last four and are riding a two-game win streak thanks to

back-to-back W’s against the Toronto Raptors.

Strength

Playoff Jimmy Butler is an absolute weapon. He averaged 26.9 points last postseason and put

up an average of 27.4 back in 2022. Coming into this game, both Butler and Tyler Herro are

averaging 20.9 points while Bam Adebayo is putting up 19.3. You have to think that if the Heat

hadn’t been without Herro and Butler for large portions of the season that they’d be in the top

six.

Weakness

Unfortunately for Adebayo, he will once again get the short end of the stick and draw the Embiid assignment. We got a taste of this matchup in their lone head-to-head meeting two weeks ago. Finishing with a team worst -29 +/- was Adebayo with Miami losing by just four points. Embiid on the other hand had 16 points, two assists and one turnover with the Defensive Play of the Year candidate as his primary defender.

Current Odds

Spread Moneyline Total

Heat +4.5 -110 +175 O 207 -105

76ers -4.5 -110 -205 U 207 -115

Season Series

December 25: 76ers 113 @ Heat 119

February 14: Heat 109 @ 76ers 104

March 18: Heat 91 @ 76ers 98

April 4: 76ers 109 @ Heat 105

For the latest NBA odds visit BetOnline.