Miami Heat seeks for the sixth seed in the East with a win against the Philadelphia 76ers who is looking to retain their spot in the standings. The Heat is trying to extend their two-game winning streak in preparation for the playoffs. They are actually fortunate to turn their three-game losing streak in a two-game winning streak. The 76ers on the other hand is also coming in this match with a good momentum. From their last four matches, the 76ers were able to record three wins. This meeting will be on April 7, 2023, at 7:30 AM (GMT+8), with the 76ers as hosts.
This will be the third and the final meeting of these two teams in the regular season, with them splitting their two previous matches. However, on their last meeting, the hosts showed dominance, winning that match by 23 points. The hosts are currently at the third of the Eastern Conference with 52 wins from their 79 matches. Coming into this game, they are looking to retain their spot in the top three for easier access to the next round. The visitors on the other hand is looking for more, aiming to steal the sixth spot in the East. Although they have yet to clinch a play-off berth, they are likely to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Miami Heat
The Heat are coming into this match with confidence as they are now looking to extend their two-game winning run in this match. Those wins are against the Mavericks and the Pistons, ending their losing run at the end of March. As they are now at the seventh of the standings, they are needing more wins if they still aim for the sixth spot. They need to start it now though as they only have three remaining matches in the regular season. During their 118-105 win against the Pistons, it was Jimmy Butler who led the Heat with 27 points. 18 of those 27 points are all coming from the fourth quarter. They are the 30th in offense with 109.1 points but the second in defense allowing 109.8 points.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are the leaders for the Heat with 22.9 and 20.7 points respectively. Unfortunately, Adebayo is listed as questionable in this match, as well as Kyle Lowry. Nikola Jovic on the other hand was ruled out in this game.
Philadelphia 76ers
After their eight-game winning run, the 76ers lost to four of their last five matches, ending their chances of becoming the top seed in the East. Since then, they were able to win three of their last four matches, but are already secured of the third spot. On their last match, they were able to defeat the Celtics in a 103-101 win. Joel Embiid have been a monster for the 76ers, scoring 52 points and grabbing 13 rebounds on that match. That performance looks like locking up the MVP award this season, which looks like to be won by him. However, aside from him, the 76ers are fortunate that there are also guys who could step-up for their squad. Offensively, they are sitting at the 14th with 114.9 points per game, and the third defensively, giving up just6 110.5 points per game.
The 76ers are led by Joel Embiid, who chips in 33.3 points per game, and James Harden, who is scoring 21.1 points per game. P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, and Tyrese Maxey are all questionable for this game due to their health issues.
Prediction:
Philadelphia 76ers
Total Under: 113.5
Odds: 0.87
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