Miami Heat-Philadelphia 76ers: Match Preview, Stats, & Much More | 5 May

In the Second Round of the Playoffs, we have seen some teams get down and then tie it as well. In the East, the Celtics tied it against the Bucks in a series that has seen a brilliant start. On the other hand, the Miami Heat will host the Philadelphia 76ers with a one-nil lead in their bag. They won 106:92 in the last game as Tyler Herro turned up for a strong 25 points night backed by Adebayo’s 24 points night effort. Can the 76ers turn it around in Game 2?

Handicap: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that the Heat has an overwhelming edge over the 7ers as the latter will be without Joel Ebmiid. The Heat won the last game with a difference of 14 points and it was not a surprise that Butler and crew got the job done in the second half. I see the bookmakers being right again and I believe the Heat will win by at least 11 points. (Handicap 1 -8.5 for 1.93)

Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.95 for Bam Adebayo going Over 19.5 Points here(At least 20 Points). Adebayo scored 24 in the last game and made 8 of his 10 field goals in Game 1 while making all his eight free throws. I believe Bam will be strong to stop again as Joel Embiid will be out again and the 76ers lack someone who can match up to Bam physically. That is why I believe he will go “Over” 19.5 Points here. (Player Props: Player Points: Bam Adebayo Over 19.5 for 1.95)

Total: Bookmakers at 1xbet believe that the total of 207.5 (Over/Under) has the odds of 1.97. This is understandable considering that the last game fetched 198 points and it is due to the Heat’s physical nature of play and the 76ers are not weak defensively even without Joel Embiid. I believe this game will lean more towards the 210 points. That’s why I believe it will go “Over” here. (Total Over 208.5 for 1.97)

This match is available on the NBA League Pass.

The Heat hasn’t been that efficient and consistent in terms of offensive output. They have had not a game where most of their players have shot a higher-percentage and the scoring balance has been a bit up-and-down. However, the team will be relieved that after a below-par First Round, Tyler Herro got back to his old ways, scoring 25 points in what was a decisive effort. Bam Adebayo is looking comfortable too and without Embiid, the 76ers will have their fair share of troubles against him. Harris’ defense limited Butler to 5/16 shooting but I believe he will bounce back this game while Gabe Vincent and Max Strus both were off from the field as well. But thanks to their elite defense and PJ Tucker contributing as a rebounder and scorer, the Heat pulled through. The question is how long will they be inefficient because once the squad figures it out, watch out!

The 76ers had a terrible Game 1 and really James Harden needs to figure it out now, shooting just 2/7 from the three-point line. As a team too, the 76ers shot below 20% from beyond the arc, which is not going to get it done on most nights. Without Embiid, the team had their rebounding troubles, as the Heat scrapped 15 offensive rebounds and had 13 more field goal attempts than the Heat. One thing that the 76ers have been blessed with is the highly inspiring play of Tobias Harris on both ends, he scored 27 on 11/18 field goal attempts and he will be huge as a rebounder and defender. Maxey had 19 but he didn’t shoot well from beyond the arc while besides Harden, Harris, and Maxey, no other player even got close to ten points. The 76ers should make the first half of Game 1 as their model where they picked a 51:50 lead. Can they bounce back?

• Heat most likely starting five: PG: Gabe Vincent | SG: Max Strus | SF: Jimmy Butler | PF: PJ Tucker | C: Bam Adebayo;
• Key Bench Player: Victor Oladipo, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin;
• 76ers most likely starting five: PG: James Harden | G: Tyrese Maxey | SF: Danny Green | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Deandre Jordan;
• Key Bench Players: Georges Niang, Paul Reed, Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton.