76ers vs Heat Prediction, Odds, Pick | NBA Betting Preview (Thursday, April 4)

Here's everything you need to know about 76ers vs. Heat on Thursday, April 4 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.

The NBA is officially in the goofy stage of the season, when injury news rule the roost when it comes to betting, and Thursday night's matchup between the Sixers and Heat is no exception. As of writing, the top three players on Philadelphia (Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris) are all listed as questionable. However, despite the uncertainty, there are some intriguing ways to bet this game.

Find my 76ers vs. Heat prediction and NBA betting preview below.

This is a huge game for both teams as they're right next to each other in the standings and within striking distance of the all-important No. 6 seed. Both teams will have plenty of motivation to improve upon their current status in the play-in portion of the Eastern Conference standings, where they'd have to win a play-in game and then face the Celtics or Bucks in the first round. A move to the No. 6 seed brings a free pass into the postseason, along with a much easier opponent in the first round.

As such, I tend to lean toward the Sixers stars taking the court. Harris and Maxey seem even more likely, with Embiid — who made his return Tuesday night — being the most questionable of the trio.

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However, my favorite play for the game is a little less tethered to the specific players on take the court. These teams have consistently posted slow offensive starts this season, especially Philadelphia when on the road and Miami when at home.

In a game that matters as much as this one, it also make sense for both teams to come out a little tight, and to be sharp on defense. There's also the fact that these teams have been among the more impacted by the new officiating emphasis and have been solid under teams in the weeks since.

In terms of whether certain players would impact this over/under: Tobias being out would actually be great for the under, as the Sixers' offense is four-and-a-half points better with him on the court this season, and the defense is a point better with him off. The split is even more extreme with Maxey — the 76ers' offense is eight-and-a-half points worse with him off, while the defense is four points better with him off. Embiid is the least impactful only because he's the most impactful. The offense is six points worse with him off, but the defense also four points worse.

I like this bet regardless of the injury report and will be targeting the first-half total.

Pick: 1st Half Under

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