Sixers vs. Heat Game 2 Betting Odds, Picks, Predictions – May 4, 2022

Sixers vs. Heat Game 2 Odds

Sixers vs. Heat Game 2 Betting Preview

The Heat took care of business in game 1, with a convincing 106-92 win on Monday night. After a slow start, the Sixers took the lead going into the half thanks to a surge led by Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey. However, it was all downhill from there for Philly.

Miami’s size and depth overpowered the Embiid-less on their way to a dominating 2nd half. The Heat’s game plan was one we all saw coming but can be impossible to stop; dominate the glass and shoot the lights out. Philly had no answer for either.

The Heat dominated the boards, grabbing 6 more offensive rebounds and 10 more rebounds overall than the Sixers. That, along with an unconscious shooting performance by 6th man of the year Tyler Herro, proved too much to handle.

How have the lines adjusted based on Monday’s performance? To start, both teams will be without the same key players as Monday night. All-stars Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry will be out again for Wednesday’s game. The line is settling around 8.5, signaling to me oddsmakers expect the Heat to keep rolling and don’t trust the Sixers to make the necessary adjustments.

And, can you blame them? Philly got out to a horribly slow start Monday thanks in large part to Deandre Jordan getting the nod to start. Jordan, who played 1 minute in the Sixers 1st round series, started in hopes that he would neutralize Bam Adebayo on the glass. Spoiler alert, he did not. Jordan ended up with 2 rebounds to Bam’s 12. When asked if Jordan would keep starting despite looking slow and generally disinterested out there, Doc Rivers responded with “We’re gonna keep starting him whether you like it or not.” 

It’s hard to see an outcome to game 2 that doesn’t look very similar to game 1. The Sixers will still be under-sized and under-manned until they get the big guy back for game 3. The only hope Sixers fans should look at is their 3-point shooting percentage from Monday night HAS to increase… right?

Philly shot an abysmal 17% from 3, thanks to 0-7, 1-6, 1-5 performances by Georges Niange, Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey. One would think that those numbers should go up Wednesday night. However, if there’s one thing we know about the Heat, it’s that they’ll play solid team defense and make the necessary in-game adjustments based on Philly’s strength that night.

The Sixers are just looking to tread water these first 2 games until their MVP candidate returns to the lineup and series heads to Philadelphia Friday

Sixers vs. Heat Game 2 Betting Pick

Without Embiid on the court, the Sixers have been desperate for someone to step up and fill in his scoring load. It’s no small ask, though. With 30.6 points to make up for, Philly has been struggling to find the difference.

The obvious choice to pick up the load is James Harden. Harden, who played 21 games for Philly since joining the team in February, has left fans wanting more. Everyone has been waiting for that signature Harden playoff moment. Unfortunately for Philly fans, I don’t think that’s coming this season. 

Harden has averaged 18.6 points this playoffs, noticeably lower than recent years. There could be a lot of theories why he’s struggling offensively. It could be the nagging hamstring injury, or just not being comfortable yet in his new situation in Philly.

However, I think the number one reason he struggled in game 1 is pretty simple, the Heat are a VERY good defensive team. Miami made Harden miserable offensively. He was unable to get much going and finished with an unassuming 16 points. While you can’t expect Philly to have the same bad shooting performance as Monday night, I’m looking at guys like Niang and Maxey to increase their production. Harden, for whatever reason, just doesn’t look like he has it going this postseason, and I’m looking at that to continue Wednesday night.

Using OddsJam, I found great value on Harden’s point total. I’m looking at Harden under 23.5 at -110 on DraftKings. Currently this bet is -147 on the Perfect Line

Pick: Harden under 23.5 points | -110 at DraftKings

Sixers vs. Heat Game 2 Prediction

The Heat know they can’t give up a game on their home court while the Sixers are without Embiid. A 1-1 series would give Philly all the confidence in the world going back home for games 3 and 4. Miami’s experience and coaching won’t let that happen Wednesday night. While I expect a better performance overall from the Sixers, I don’t see how they can keep up with Miami’s physicality on the glass and offensive firepower to steal a game on the road. 

Prediction: Heat, 112 – Sixers, 101