Following an impressive start to the NBA Play-In tournament, the Eastern Conference games get underway on Wednesday night.
Let's take a look at spread, moneyline and total plays to help you beat the books as these four teams battle it out for NBA playoff berths:
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Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat
Matchup Page: Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat, 7:30p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | -5 (-112) | -206 | O 208 (-110) |
| Miami Heat | +5 (+102) | +183 | U 208 (-110) |
Pick: OVER 208
The premiere matchup of the evening pits reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid against the Jimmy Butler-led Miami Heat. Nick Nurse's 76ers are on a spectacular 10-0 ATS run heading into the NBA play-in tournament. Joel Embiid's health is a huge factor in this one. The big man left Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic multiple times after experiencing discomfort in his knee. Philadelphia will need all Embiid can give them to take down the Heat.
Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra's Miami Heat head back to the play-in on a 7-3 SU run in their last 10 games. This is familiar territory for the "zombie" Heat who famously lost in the first-round of last year's play-in tournament before coming back from the dead to make the NBA Finals.
Intriguingly, Bam Adebayo has been an enormous part of the Heat's defense, however, Miami's offensive rating drops drastically from nearly 120 points per 100 possessions to closer to 111 with him on the floor. Kevin Love racked up 11 points and 16 rebounds in these teams' last matchup, but he's no match for Embiid defensively.
Philly has such a deep roster, with multiple scorers in Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Buddy Hield, DeAnthony Melton and Kyle Lowry capable of knocking down outside shots. Embiid and co. would be seen as true NBA Championship contenders had he not gotten hurt. However, I don't like the way the line has moved in the 76ers favour over the past few days, so we'll hit the OVER 208 here. Nine of the last 10 Heat games, and seven of the last 10 Sixers contests have gone OVER the total.
Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
Matchup Page: Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks, 9:30pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | -3 (-110) | -147 | O 221.5 (-110) |
| Atlanta Hawks | +3 (-110) | +133 | U 221.5 (-110) |
Pick: Chicago Bulls -3
Atlanta's offense has been complete discombobulated of late, ranking 21st in efficiency over the last 10 games. General Manager Landry Fields has struggled to flesh out a competitive roster around Trae Young. Injuries have also taken their toll as Young, and 3-and-D wing Saddiq Bey have missed time this season. The injury bug continues to bite the Hawks, as NBA Most Improved Player award candidate Jalen Johnson and big man Onyeka Okenwu will miss this one.
Chicago has their own injury woes with Zach Lavine and Patrick Williams on the shelf. But, the Bulls have the steady veteran presence of DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan has torched Atlanta this season averaging 28.3 points on nearly 50% shooting from the field.
DeMar DeRozan went OFF in Detroit for his 3rd straight 30-point game 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2024
39 PTS | 7 AST | 3 STL | 14-22 FGM | W pic.twitter.com/PfFbZWCVwo
The value is easy to spot in this one. Atlanta is on a six-game losing streak, they're also just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games against Chicago. Quin Snyder's team is brutal on the road going 1-6 SU in their last seven games. The Young-Dejounte Murray experiment is on its last legs in Atlanta, I expect the Bulls to put the nail in their coffin. Hammer Chicago -3.
