If it feels like the basketball gods have blessed us with an abundance of fun basketball lately, it’s probably true. Your intuition will never lead you astray.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, six teams have at least +1000 odds to win the NBA title. Everyone feels like they have a legitimate chance at plowing their way through April, May, and June. That’s a lot of quality and a lot of fun, in case I wasn’t already being as explicit as possible.
Two of those teams, the 76ers (+650 to win the NBA title) and the Heat (+1000), match up on Saturday night, with Miami as -4.5 favorites. It’s a heavyweight fight that might be a precursor to a back-and-forth electric playoff series this spring. Philadelphia is here because they have the likely MVP (at this rate, let’s be honest with ourselves) in Joel Embiid (-125). And James Harden, since acquired in a trade, has only made the 76ers even more of a legitimate contender.
Meanwhile, the Heat, with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro all healthy at the same time soon, are only starting to gel as what looks like the deepest team on paper in the East. You do the math.
Of late, Heat comfortably dismantled the another reloaded squad in the Nets, while doing this:
"post the lob"
"where's the lob"we got y'all, there's a lot happening 🙃 pic.twitter.com/orCaJ85266
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 4, 2022
At the same time, Harden has, among other elements, brought his trademark stepback three to Philadelphia, making the 76ers even scarier.
the beard. the step back. pic.twitter.com/RlKNQWxPt9
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 5, 2022
All that to say: Miami being slightly favored more than usual on Saturday night adds up.
For one, they’re the home team. That matters, especially in a game that will almost certainly have a raucous playoff atmosphere. The Heat is also an experienced team that has been through the wringer. The new-look 76ers with Harden may be itching to prove themselves against a team they’ll probably have to overcome to make the Finals. That’s noble, and is a healthy sense of competition, but expect the Heat to bring their A+++ game and try and make a statement.
Either way: Here’s hoping this early March matchup turns into a bonkers Eastern Conference Final. If only we could be so lucky.
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