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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Game 5 Betting Preview

By Nick Fata
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
  • Playoffs Game 5
    05/10 7:30 PM ET
    Spread
    ML
    Score
    501PHIPHI(4)
    208
    120
    85
    502MIAMIA(1)
    -2.5
    -140
    120

The Eastern Conference Semifinals continue tonight with Game 5 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. The Heat looked like they had the series in their clutches after dominating the first two games at home, but the Sixers fought back in the last two games to tie the series at two games a piece.

Game 5 tips off from American Airlines Arena in Miami at 7:30pm Et on TNT. 

The betting angles:  

Tonight’s line is set with the Heat as -2.5 point favorites and they are -145 moneyline, while the 76ers are +2.5 and +125 to win outright.

Why the Heat can win and cover -2.5:

Miami hasn’t lost a game at home this postseason. They dominated the first two games of the series on their home court, so it’s very likely the same might happen tonight. Miami's perimeter defense in the playoffs is arguably the biggest reason why they’re undefeated on their home court. Between Jimmy Butler, Pj Tucker, and Bam Adeabayo, Miami can switch almost every matchup in the pick and roll game. Miami also holds their opponents to 26.7% from beyond the arc in the playoffs, which certainly helps out against an offense orchestrated by James Harden for Philadelphia. 

Why the 76ers can win and cover +2.5: 

Philly has shown that they have three players who can erupt on offense at any given moment in the playoffs. Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and even Tobias Harris form a championship caliber offensive attack. Embiid and Harden also get to the free throw line arguably more than any NBA duo in history. Philly should look to use the free throw line to their advantage tonight to both score more points, and slow down Miami's offense. 

The Pick: Take Miami -2.5 

The Heat will keep their home winning streak alive tonight. Miami has enough weapons to combat Philly’s offense, as well as the defensive capabilities to slow down Embiid and co. Miami will bounce back after dropping two games in a row, and will have the chance to close out the series in game 6 in Philadelphia.

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