Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Game 2 Betting Preview
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tips off tonight between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. While the Sixers lead Game 1 at half time, the Heat pulled away with ease in the second half, outscoring Philadelphia by 15 points. Miami looks to jump out to a 2-0 series lead, while Philly tries to steal a road win and even the series at one game a piece.
Game 2 tips off tonight from American Airlines Arena in Miami at 7:30 pm ET on TNT.
The Betting Angles:
Tonight’s line opens with the Heat -8.5 with a -430 moneyline, while the 76ers are +8.5 and are +350 to win outright.
Why the Heat can win and cover -8.5:
Miami won the first game of the series by double digits despite only shooting 9-36 from three point range. They held the 76ers to just 41 points in the second half, so their strong defense was present as usual. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, or even newly crowned sixth man of the year Tyler Herro could be poised for big games tonight as well. If Miami can pick up their three point shooting tonight they could be heading to Philadelphia with a 2-0 series lead.
Why the 76ers can win and cover +8.5:
The Sixers will simply need more from James Harden if they want a chance to win tonight. He only scored sixteen points in Game 1, which he may have to double if he wants to lead his team to victory. With Embiid out, Harden should be in the driver's seat in this series, the question is if he can drive like he has in the past. The Sixers didn’t shoot particularly well in Game 1 either, so if both Harden and their shooters can step up tonight, the Sixers have a shot at evening this series heading back to Philly.
The Pick: Take Philadelphia +8.5
Expect Miami to win tonight, but not as easily as they did in Game One. 8.5 points is a hefty enough margin where If Harden can step up his game and his teammates shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, Philly will be poised to cover, and maybe even sneak in a win.
