Game two for the Heat and Philly as well as the Suns and Mavericks draws closer.
The BetDeluxe NBA analysts go through the best bets for the two semi-finals set for tipoff on Thursday.
philadelphia @ miami
may 5th 9:35am
Philadelphia will be hoping Joel Embiid can make a recovery from a right-eye injury when it takes on Miami in game two of the Eastern Conference semi-final at FTX Arena.
The Heat proved superior in-game following a 106-92 win as Bam Adebayo took full advantage of Embiid not being on the court by dropping 24 points, hauling in 12 rebounds and dishing off four assists.
He was duly accompanied by Tyler Herro, who proved pivotal off the pine with a team-high 25 points.
Without Embiid, the Heat could drive to the rim and hit 52 points in the paints as they ratcheted up their driving to the basket.
It was an area the Heat had to get right given its off-day from three-point range.
Philly also shot poorly from the perimeter, only going six from 37, so it will be an area of focus should Embiid not be able to front up and be that focal point in and around the basket.
Should Embiid come back into the fold, the 76ers’ current spread of +8.5, but as far as public knowledge goes, Embiid is likely to miss again.
Heat to make it 2-0 should Embiid not play.
Suggested Bet: Miami -8.5 at $1.90
dallas @ phoenix
may 3rd 12:00pm
Phoenix Suns will be on the hunt to make it 2-0 when it welcomes Dallas to Footprint Center for game two of this Western Conference semi-final series.
All eyes were on Devin Booker and his hamstring in the first clash, but the gun shooting guard showed no signs of the niggle, which kept him out for most of the 4-2 series win over New Orleans.
Booker would combine with right-hand man Chris Paul to deliver a 121-114 in front of a packed venue full of home fans.
The Suns put the game to bed in three quarters, taking a 17-point lead into the last.
Dallas will be calling upon a lift from anyone other than Luka Doncic, who carried the team… AGAIN.
It is often brandied that Dallas has an unhealthy reliance on him, and his 45 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists were still nowhere near enough to win game one.
Jalen Brunson was expected to share the load, but a strong Phoenix defence curtailed him.
Unfortunately, much of the same looks likely for game two for Dallas.
Booker will probably get better as he gains confidence back in the hamstring.
Suggested Bet: Phoenix Suns -5.5 at $1.90
