Heat vs 76ers (April 6): Prediction & Best Bets for Philly’s Home Finale

With three games left in the regular season, the Miami Heat still have a chance to capture a spot in the first round of the NBA playoffs. But to keep those hopes going strong, they will need to come away with a road win tonight over the Philadelphia 76ers (7:30 pm ET, TNT).

Entering tonight’s NBA action, the Heat (42-37) are a game and a half behind the Brooklyn Nets (44-36) for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers (52-27) have already secured the #3 seed in the East, but with Joel Embiid looking to put the finishing touches on his MVP resume, the home team isn’t going to be in the mood for generosity tonight.

Who will take the win in Philadelphia, and how should you bet the contest? Read on for our Heat vs 76ers prediction, as well as our best bets for the matchup.

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Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 3:30 pm ET.

Spread

• Miami Heat +2.5 (-112)
• Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 (-108)

Over/Under

• Over 219.5 (-110)
• Under 219.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Miami Heat +116
• Philadelphia 76ers -136

Will Miami’s Struggles Against the Atlantic Continue?

Given that the Heat are trying to play catch up in the race to avoid the play-in tournament, having to play the Sixers on the road in a game that they need to win is not ideal.

This isn’t to say that they can’t win or won’t win, but the odds certainly aren’t in their favor even if they aren’t a heavy underdog for tonight’s contest at the Wells Fargo Center.

But playing against Atlantic Division opposition this season has been an unpleasant experience for Miami, to put it mildly.

This game will be their 18th and final regular season meeting with Atlantic Division opposition. In the first 17 games, the Heat come in at 2-6 SU and ATS on the road and 5-12 SU and ATS overall.

If there is one positive to look upon, it is that one of the SU wins came in Philadelphia. On February 27, the Sixers were favored by 5.5 points, but the Heat came away with a 101-99 win.

On the other side, the Sixers are 5-3 SU and ATS at home and 10-6 SU and ATS overall against Southeast Division opposition this season.

Also, it bears mentioning that no NBA has covered more this season than the Sixers (46-33-0 ATS), while no team has covered less than the Heat (29-48-2).

In situations that apply specifically to tonight’s game, Philadelphia is 19-9-0 ATS this season when favored by five or fewer points, while Miami is just 9-14-0 ATS as an underdog.

Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction and Best Bet

Prediction for Heat vs 76ers: 76ers to win

Best Bet for Heat vs 76ers: 76ers to cover (Best Value: -2 @ Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS)

Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Player Props

• Joel Embiid over 30.5 points (Best Value: BetOnline)
• Joel Embiid over 40.5 points + rebounds (Best Value: BetOnline)

When the Heat won in Philadelphia in February, Embiid had 27 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes.

The MVP may in sight for Embiid after his 52-point, 13-rebound, six-assist performance against the Celtics on Tuesday–he is now -1000 at BetOnline–but he won’t want to leave any doubt for voters. Look for a big night for the league’s leading scorer.