The Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers, Saturday April 16th, in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The Heat has won seven straight over the 76ers. NBA oddsmakers have the Heat as -10.5 point home favourites over the 76ers with the over/under set at 190 points. Be sure to check the 76ers vs Heat NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Philadelphia (15-26 V) enters the playoffs losing six of their final ten games and four of their last five road games. The Sixers average 97.5ppg on the road while giving up 99.6ppg. In their last five games their averaging 91.4ppg while allowing 97.6ppg. The Sixers are still calling it a game-time decision as to whether Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams will be available for tomorrow's Eastern Conference playoff opener. "That's the plan," said Iguodala, who has tendinitis in his right knee and sat out the last two games to rest for the playoffs. "We want to try and get it right.” This is the part of the season where you just have to play through the pain, no matter what. It can't be an excuse. You have to make the best of the situation and try to help your team win." Williams, the NBA Sixth Man Award candidate who missed the last five games with a right hamstring injury, however, did some work in three-on-three drills. "It's been 10 days since being injured, so it was just good to be back on the court," Williams said. "I would say I will play. Coach Collins explained his plan approaching Saturday's game: extensive film work, watching specific offensive and defensive sets, and building a game plan through detailed walk-through practices.
Miami (30-11 H) makes their playoff run on a high winning eight of their last ten games and four of their last five at home. The Heat average 103.1ppg at home while allowing 94ppg. In their last five games their averaging 98.4ppg while allowing 87.8ppg. Miami’s goal was not to become an efficient defensive team or an efficient offensive team, but to be both. Early on, the offense lagged, often reduced to bailout plays from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh. "On defense," Spoelstra said, "we were building up a lot of very good habits at the beginning of the year, but we had not developed a halfcourt offense that was ready for the playoffs. And the last couple of months, we've addressed that." In the end, there was symmetry, the Heat finishing the season second in the league in field-goal percentage, as well as second in defensive field-goal percentage. This became a team that gets what it needs, keeps you from getting what you want. The Heat are convinced they’ve found their game, and players are convinced they have found their way. "You don't ever know if you're going to win a championship until you get there," Wade said, "but you know you have the pieces that can compete for one. And that's where we're at right now."
Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Miami.
Home team is 17-7 ATS in the last 24 meetings.
Under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings.
Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.
76ers vs Heat
When: Saturday, April 16, 3:30 PM ET
Pick: Heat -10.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before 76ers vs Heat game.
The Bottom Line: I think if the Sixers have Iguodala and Williams back they can cut down the spread. Be sure to check 76ers vs Heat Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
