Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder Tips: Monday May 2nd

The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers begin their second round NBA Playoffs series on May 3rd at 00:30 (UK time). Philadelphia is without Joel Embiid for the first two games, while Kyle Lowry is listed as out for the Heat.

In this article:

• Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Betting Analysis
• Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder Tips

Philadelphia are 7.5-point underdogs after taking six games to see off the Toronto Raptors. The total is set at 209.5 after the Heat held the Hawks to under 100 points in three of their five first-round games. The Sixers’ defence takes a considerable hit in Embiid’s absence with Paul Reed potentially starting at the five.

Even beyond the Lowry news, Miami has other injury concerns with Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, Max Strus, P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris all listed as questionable. Butler sat out the Game 5 win over Atlanta with a knee issue, but he will be desperate to return to face his former team.

More tips for this game at our Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers tips page

The Heat saw off Atlanta without Butler and Lowry, but it is far less straight-forward against this Sixers team, even with Embiid sidelined. After how James Harden played in Game 6, there’s value on the Sixers to keep this relatively close. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey both impressed in the first round, too. Let’s take an alternate line – we’re backing the Sixers to keep it within 10.

Harris has shown acceptance of his role in recent weeks, firing quickly off catch-and-shoot opportunities and being quicker to make decisions with the ball. He dropped 19 in Game 6, and could get to around the 20 mark in field goal attempts with Embiid out. There’s value on his points over as the Heat defence focuses on slowing down Maxey and Harden.

Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers Bet Builder Tips

• Philadelphia 76ers +9.5
• Tobias Harris over 17.5 points
• Bam Adebayo over 14.5 rebounds and assists
• Jimmy Butler over 1.5 steals

Bet Builder is available at odds of 12.00.

Odds from bet365 as at 11am May 2nd 2022. Odds may now differ.

While he’s not got to deal with Embiid, Bam Adebayo still has a huge role to play for the Heat. Miami could look to run the offence through him even more than usual given what will be a favourable matchup, and his playmaking is particularly valuable without Lowry. Adebayo is one of the best passing big men in the league, and he will be a force to be reckoned with on the glass. Philly is a poor rebounding team without Embiid.

The All-Star center had over 14.5 rebounds and assists in two of his last three games. He could get most of the way to this line in rebounds alone – take the over.

Butler, Adebayo’s fellow All-Star, clocked 11 steals across four first round games. Miami’s defence had Trae Young in trouble throughout the series, and they can make life similarly challenging for Harden, who is notoriously turnover prone in the playoffs. Whether taking the assignment himself or getting into passing lanes as a help defender, Butler will be aggressive and active on defence. He’s going to force Philly into a few turnovers. His steals line is at 1.5 despite recording two or more in every first round game.

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