At FTX Arena, the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers face off in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Miami managed to win the series against the Atlanta Hawks (4-1), after containing the offensive ability of Trae Young.
However, key players were injured throughout the series for Erik Spoelstra’s team, such as Jimmy Butler (averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists last round) and Kyle Lowry.
Butler will play in Game 1 against the 76ers. In addition, Tyler Herro is listed as questionable for tonight’s game, due to illness.
For their part, the Sixers eliminated the Toronto Raptors (4-2). The injury of regular season’s top scorer Joel Embiid (averaging 26.2 points and 11.3 rebounds last round) is the biggest problem for head coach Doc Rivers.
He is expected to miss at least the first two games of the semifinals. Therefore, players like James Harden (averaging 19 points and 10.2 assists last round) need to step up and fill Embiid’s shoes.
The Heat and 76ers split their regular season series (2-2). I believe Miami can easily qualify for the Eastern Conference Finals, due to Joel Embiid’s conidition. I predict they will win this series with a gentleman’s sweep (4-1).
As far as Game 1 is concerned, my betting prediction is that Miami will prevail and even cover the handicap of -5.5 (odds at 1.65). Furthermore, I pick James Harden to score more than 27 points tonight (odds at 2.65).
Safe Bet: Miami win -5.5 (1.65)
Value Bet: James Harden over 27.5 points (2.65)
At Footprint Center in Phoenix, the No.1 seed Suns welcome the Dallas Mavericks.
In the first round, the Phoenix Suns eliminated the New Orleans Pelicans (4-2). Devin Booker was injured in Game 2, suffering a hamstring strain.
However, Chris Paul (averaging 22.3 points and 11.3 assists in the first round) stepped up and contributed the most for his team. Booker is expected to play in Game 1 against Dallas, but his condition may affect the whole series.
For their part, the Mavericks passed through the Utah Jazz (4-2). Star player Luka Doncic (averaging 29 points and 10.7 rebounds in the first round) missed the first three games of the series. However, he picked up where he left off in the regular season and helped the team defeat Utah.
The Suns are the favorites to advance to the Western Conference Finals. To do so, they have to focus on defending Doncic. Should they succeed, I think they are going to win this series 4-2.
For tonight’s game, my betting prediction is that both teams will score more than 215 points in total (odds at 1.93).
Safe Bet: Over 215.5 points (odds at 1.93)
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