The masked man may have just tilted the first round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Joel Embiid returned from an orbital fracture and played very well in Game 3 to help his Philadelphia team cruise to a win and re-take the series advantage. Embiid’s presence has given the 76ers a big boost as the two sides face off in a pivotal Game 4 showdown.
The Heat won Game 2 on the road and now needs to take care of business at home in order to tie the series up and two games apiece. The 76ers may be on the road but they have the superior team and will be the slight favorites.
This could be a series-defining matchup and the intensity is sure to be high in NBA basketball betting lines.
Game 4 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida The contest will be nationally televised on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Odds Analysis
The 76ers are listed as three-point favorites to win Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Philadelphia is getting more than 71 percent of the action to cover the spread coming off a dominant win in Game 3.
The scoring total is listed at 217 points as the oddsmakers expect a high-scoring affair. The 76ers are listed as -155 favorites on the moneyline while Miami is the +135 underdog to pull off the upset. The Sixers are the more common choice to win this game outright in NBA basketball wagering.
Last Time Out
Embiid was listed as doubtful to play in Game 3 several hours before tip but that status changed in a hurry. He ended up on the floor for 30 minutes and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in a 128-108 win.
The game was close heading into the fourth quarter but Philadelphia outscored Miami 32-14 in the final stanza to cruise to the win. Ben Simmons has his usual starring role, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. He was a plus-24 when on the court, which is an indicator of just how valuable Simmons is to the 76ers.
Miami was led by Goran Dragic, who finished with 23 points and eight assists. Justise Winslow had a big game off the bench, adding 19 points, 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks. Those two did not have enough help, especially late when Philadelphia pulled away.
Player To Watch
Dwyane Wade -- The former superstar is more of a role player for the Heat at this point in his career, but an important one. In the team’s two losses in this series, Wade has mustered only a total of 19 points on 6-of-17 from the field.
In the Game 2 victory, Wade poured in 28 points on 11-of-16 from the field. The Heat don’t have the same type of explosive scorers as Philadelphia, and a big offensive game from Wade would be a big help.
He should be given a chance to play a big role in this crucial game and needs to come through.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The 76ers are in great shape now that Embiid is back in the fold. They were the better team without him and should be able to pick up a win with his production adding to what Simmons and the others were already doing.
While this one should be closer than the last blowout, Philadelphia is still the choice to cover the spread against the Heat in Game 4. The 76ers will go ahead 3-1 with the win and head home with a chance to close out the series in NBA basketball gambling.
NBA ATS Pick: 76ers 110, Heat 104
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