Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 3 odds and best bet

Miami has certainly taken command of the series, winning the first two games in South Beach. 76ers big man Joel Embiid did not play in either, and his absence was significant.

With the series moving to Philly, there is still no clear picture of whether the NBA's regular-season scoring champ will suit up, or how effective he can be if he does. Also, expected to miss yet another game is Miami point guard Kyle Lowry, a Philly native. 

The first couple of games has shown us that the 76ers have no real chance to compete in the series without their top dog. Heck, even with him, it is hard to like their chances against a very physical, experienced Miami team. 

The winner of this series could be waiting a while though because it looks like Boston and Milwaukee are going to go the distance.

Philly is a home underdog for just the 10th time this season. They are 4-5 SUATS in this role this season. 

Game Info

Miami Heat (0-2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (0-2)
Friday, May 6, 2022
7:00 p.m. ET
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
ESPN

Betting Odds

Spread: Heat -3 (-110), 76ers +3 (-110)
Total: 210.5
Moneyline: Heat -150, 76ers +125

Best Bet

Miami -3

A lot can change when a series switches venues, and that is what is going to need to happen for Philly to get back into this one. 

Depending on the source, Embiid is either questionable or out, and for the purpose of this piece, I am assuming he is not going to play. Needless to say, everything they do is predicated on the big man being on the court and they are really struggling without him.

This series has sharply shown that James Harden is not the player he once was. Even though they need him to be more than ever. In eight playoff games, he has not scored more than 22 points and in this series he has not scored more than 20. It is "nice" that he is willing to share the ball, but they need him to go "alpha" if they are going to get back into the series.

Miami is doing a nice job defending him, but he has also not been as aggressive as required. My hunch is that he is internally well aware of his own limitations and not really willing to take 30 shots in a game and absorb the criticism for not making many of them. He can still draw fouls, but that is not as effective in the playoffs. 

Without a player that truly commands special attention, Miami is able to play Philadelphia straight up, and that makes them an even better defensive team because their physicality is hard to match.

Miami is surely feeling great off a 16-point win in which only two starters scored more than nine points. With Victor Oladipo suddenly a viable option off the bench, they have more depth than expected and are managing just fine without Lowry, one of a couple of players on the roster with Championship experience.

After a couple of double-digit wins (and easy covers) at home, it is hard to see things changing all that much on the road Friday night; certainly not enough to tilt the court in the 76ers' direction. Philly just doesn't have the pieces without Embiid and a waning Harden. 

With a small number to cover the Heat are once again the way to play this game Friday night.