The heavily-favored Miami Heat will take another stab at eliminating Philadelphia tonight, Wednesday April 27th, when the teams square off in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at American Airlines Arena. The Heat are 9-1 SU in their last ten against the Sixers. NBA oddsmakers have the Heat as -10.5 point home favourites over the 76ers with the over/under set at 185.5 points. Be sure to check the 76ers vs Heat NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Philadelphia (1-3, 0-2 V) stole Game 4 from the Heat after winning 86-82 on home court. Evan Turner and Louis Williams led the Sixers with 17pts each while Andre Igoudala added 16. They dominated in the paint and had more fast break points. The secret to beating the Heat, start with a lot of energy, then somehow sustain it. Other than in Game 2, the Sixers led at the end of the opening quarters. And they didn't just lead; they dominated the first 12 minutes of action. On Sunday – in their lone series win – the Sixers led by 23-8 at one point before ending the quarter with a 12-point cushion. In all, the Sixers have outscored the Heat, 101-75, in the four first quarters combined. "I think a lot of it is energy, and I think a lot of it is preparation," Jrue Holiday said. "I think when Miami comes out, they don't really come out with the same spunk or fire that we do. So we tend to jump on them early."
Miami (3-1, 2-0 H) can end this series with a win on home court where they haven’t lost in four games. There last home loss was March 6 against Milwaukee. In Game 4, LeBron James put up his usual gaudy numbers — 31pts, seven rebounds and six assists. Wade totalled 22pts, eight boards and five blocks while Chris Bosh was held to 12 points and five boards has routinely erased sizable deficits in the second quarter by capitalizing on opponents poor shooting. An inability to get to the foul line, lack of fastbreak points, and costly turnovers are also hindering the Sixers. The Heat have made more foul shots (95) than the Sixers have attempted (70). The Sixers are averaging just 13 fastbreak points, down from an NBA third-best 17.6 in the regular season. And they are committing 11.2 turnovers a game. "The biggest thing is taking care of the ball," Andre Iguodala said. "When they bring in their second unit, they go small, which makes them a little quicker. And they cover the areas, defensively, a little better. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit but eight have rallied from 3-1 so the Sixers' odds of pulling off a miracle have slightly improved. Should the Heat close things out tonight, they will meet the defending conference champion Boston Celtics in the East semifinals.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Home team is 19-9 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Heat are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Heat are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Heat are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.
Heat are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
76ers vs Heat
When: Wednesday, April 27, 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Heat -10.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before 76ers vs Heat game.
The Bottom Line: The Heat will close them out tonight. Be sure to check 76ers vs Heat Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
