Sixers Emerging as NBA Playoffs Betting Odds Favorite against the Heat

April 24th, 2018 Live NBA Betting Lines

Philadelphia is one win away from its first playoff series win since 2012.  And with the return Joel Embiid their chances have only increased. Add in home court for game five and it looks inevitable for the 76ers.  Out of nowhere they have become a NBA playoffs betting odds favorite.  After a 52-win regular season Philly has found respect. Public betting dollars flowing their way on the board.  Sharps on them early made a nice profit.  Best of all the 76ers are all future.  Meanwhile Miami is yesterday’s news.  Their best days are behind them.

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 5

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 8:10 PM ET

Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:

TeamSpreadTotal
Heat+10 (-110)215 (-110)
76ers-10 (-110)215 (-110)
Bet Now on this Game

Heat vs. 76ers TV Coverage:  TNT

Miami

Miami must win game five or their season is over.  If they do pull off the upset game six would be at Miami on Thursday.  This series has exposed Miami as a NBA playoffs betting Odds longshot.  Offensively challenged with little secondary scoring has made them one dimensional.  Having to rely almost exclusively on defense has worn them down.  Nobody on the Heat is averaging 20 points per game in the playoffs.  Most alarming has been the defensive collapse against Philadelphia.  Ranking fourth best for defense in the regular season the Heat have been lit up.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s the top scoring team in the post season.  Nearly everyone is surprised at how they have sliced up Miami.  It’s also indicative of youthful Philly wearing down the Heat.  Offensively the Sixers finished seventh in the NBA regular season.  Embiid was their leading scorer with 23 points per game.  In the playoffs he is averaging 19 per outing.  He has also added 10 rebounds per tilt.  Scoring depth is a huge advantage for the 76ers.  Five players are scoring 18 points per game or better.  Guard Ben Simmons has thrived with 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.

The battle of the GMs

Just two years ago the 76ers were a 10-72 laughingstock.  Few teams have engineered such a quick turnaround.  Major credit must go to Bryan Colangelo.  He was hired as general manager after that 10-win debacle of a season.  No NBA executive has had a greater impact on his team than Colangelo.  Contrast that with Miami where the roster has aged.  General manager Pat Riley is a Hall of Famer.  But this franchise became ordinary when LeBron James took his talents back to Cleveland.

Team vs Team

Philadelphia has had the recent sportsbook online edge with Miami.  Just twice in their last seven meeting has Miami gotten the money.  Four of the last six in this series have gone under the total.  At Wells Fargo Center between these teams Philly has paid in four of the last six.  Additionally, six of the last nine at that venue went over the total.

Matchup to Watch

Price is the one thing that Miami may have going for them.  As longshots with NBA Finals Betting Odds a series win is unrealistic.  But getting the money is highly possible.  Contrarian bettors and sharps will grab those points.  Casual bettors will make the overlay on Philadelphia.

Heat vs. 76ers NBA games Betting Odds Picks

Miami is the value pick to cover the big number.

NBA Betting Online Pick: Miami Heat

NBA Betting Online Score Prediction:  Heat 98, 76ers 101