NBA Conference Semifinals Game 2: Wednesday May 4th at 7:30 pm ET
Game 1 of this series was much closer than I expected, especially when Philly was leading after the first half. Miami took over in the second half though led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo who had a fairly easy task without Joel Embiid in the lineup. Herro, who had been battling an illness for the past few days, led the Heat in scoring with 25 points on 9 for 17 from the field and 4 for 6 from beyond the arch. As usual it was a group effort from Miami which saw at least 10 points from five different players. The Sixers gave it their all but simply cannot compete with these deep rosters without Embiid in the lineup. For now, it appears that Embiid will not be in action in Game 2 either, which explains Miami as a big home favorite.
Is it an overreaction? Maybe. Sharps were all over Philadelphia in Game 1 when the spread closed -7.5. My prediction is that they will be all over the Sixers again in Game 2, but Tobias Harris and James Harden really need their teammates to step it up. The problem with taking Philly at +9.0 is that Miami’s squad is just too deep. I liked Miami in Game 1 even before the Embiid injury was announced. Philly’s bench unit simply cannot compete with the likes of Miami. I think the line is sharp, and I’m avoiding the point spread in Game 2. What I do like is the Over in Game 2. Embiid really slows the pace of the game down and grinds away inside on defenses. Without him, the Sixers will play more uptempo, so I am betting the Over 206.5.
Charlie M.
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