Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Prediction: Can Joel Embiid Put Up Points Against the Heat?
The Philadelphia 76ers are in Miami to take on the Heat on Thursday night. Can Joel Embiid put up points against the Heat tonight? Ben Rajavuori shares his Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat prediction.
Ben Rajavuori - April 4, 2024, 4:12 PM EDT
5 minPhiladelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Prediction: Can Joel Embiid Put Up Points Against the Heat?
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Miami tonight to take on the Heat from the Kaseya Center at 7:30 PM ET. The Sixers are sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 41-35. They are sitting in a play-in tournament position right now, but tonight's game against Miami will prove massive, as the Heat are in sixth place with a record of 42-33. The Sixers really need a win tonight if they want to work out of a play-in spot, and they will have reigning MVP Joel Embiid back tonight to do so.
76ers vs. Heat Prediction DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 4, 2024
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Prediction
The 2023 MVP Joel Embiid is back from his knee injury, as he played 29 minutes in a 109-105 win over the Thunder on Tuesday. Embiid coming back just in time is massive for the Sixers, especially because he will get a few gamers under his belt to work back in the game and get fully healthy. While Nick Nurse did not say Embiid had a hard minutes restriction, he said it wouldn't be "0-100" and Embiid only ended up playing 29 minutes on Tuesday. Embiid has averaged 34 minutes per game this season, so the five minute bump while he recovers is probably smart so he doesn't get re-injured.
On Tuesday, Embiid finished 6-14 from the field for 24 points against the Thunder. He also went 12-12 from the free throw line. Tonight, Embiid is sitting at 26.5 points in most places, and I love the under here.
This line can look scary at first glance considering Embiid is averaging 35 points per game this season, but not when you look at the matchup and his injury. Embiid averaged 22 field goal attempts per game before his injury. He shot just 14 in his first start back. Even with 12 free throws and shooting 100% on them, he ended with 24 points against the Thunder. Then you consider this matchup. The Thunder don't have a great defensive center, as Chet Holmgren plays the position and is not the best defensively. Now, Embiid faces Bam Adebayo, one of the best defenders in the NBA and the second best defensive center behind Rudy Gobert.
Embiid hasn't played the Heat this year, but he played them twice last year and had 27 points in the first meeting and just 21 in the second. That was when he was healthy. Coming back from an injury and seeing a slight restriction in playing time, I expect Embiid to be held to under 26.5 points against one of the best defensive centers in the NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Prediction
Pick: Joel Embiid Under 26.5 Points -115 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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