Sixers vs. Heat Series Prediction and Odds for Eastern Conference Semifinals
By Peter Dewey
The No. 1 seeded Miami Heat will take on the No. 4 seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid for the first two games of the series after he sustained a mild concussion and an orbital fracture in his face.
ESPN Sources: Joel Embiid won’t travel for Games 1 and 2 in Miami, but there’s optimism he could return as soon as either Game 3 or 4 in Philadelphia. He needs to clear concussion protocols and see doctor mid-week on his orbital fracture. More on NBA Countdown at 12:30 ET on ABC.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 1, 2022
Embiid isn’t the only star who is banged up in this series, as Kyle Lowry is out for Game 1 for Miami with a hamstring injury.
The Heat made quick work of the Atlanta Hawks in round one, while the Sixers had to stave off a comeback after taking a 3-0 lead against the Toronto Raptors. Embiid is an MVP candidate, and his absence has significantly altered the outlook for the Sixers in this series.
Let’s take a look at the odds via WynnBET:
Sixers vs. Heat Series and Exact Outcome Odds
Series Odds
- Sixers: +290
- Heat: -370
Exact Outcome Odds
- TBD
Sixers vs. Heat Prediction and Pick
This is going to be a tough series for the Sixers, as they’re going to need to rely on James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to handle the majority of the scoring load until Embiid is able to play.
The Heat are about as well-rounded as they come, but the team does have several players on the injury report ahead of Game 1 of the playoffs.
Heat injury report for Game 1:
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) May 1, 2022
Morris (illness) questionable
Martin (left ankle sprain) questionable
Tucker (right calf strain) questionable
Strus (hamstring strain) questionable
Butler (knee inflammation) questionable
Herro (illness) questionable
Lowry (hamstring) OUT
Miami is such a strong defensive team that it should be able to handle the Sixers without Embiid in Games 1 and 2, but the Sixers still have a lot of offensive firepower if they can get fully healthy in this series.
Both of these teams play at a really slow pace, 26th and 28th in the league, so we can expect a ton of play in the half court and likely a few UNDER games in this series.
Right now, you have to lean with Miami until Embiid’s availability is known.
Lean: Heat (-370)
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.