NBA Playoffs Game 3 Betting Guide: Heat (-3) vs. Embiid-less 76ers & Even Suns vs. Mavericks
Two critical NBA Playoff Game 3 matchups are set for Friday evening, with significant implications for both series.
Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Heat -3)
Key Points:
- Joel Embiid likely out again (orbital fracture, concussion, torn thumb ligament)
- Sixers' Game 2 performances:
- Tyrese Maxey: 34 points (12-22 FG)
- James Harden: 20 points (6-15 FG), 9 assists
- Tobias Harris: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
Heat's Game 2 leaders:
- Jimmy Butler: 22 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
- Bam Adebayo: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
- Victor Oladipo: 19 points
- Tyler Herro: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Prediction: Heat cover -3 with Embiid out, unless Harden returns to elite form.
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks (Even)
Key Points:
- Suns' Game 2 performances:
- Devin Booker: 30 points (11-19 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists
- Chris Paul: 28 points (11-16 FG), 8 assists, 6 rebounds
- Jae Crowder: 15 points, 7 rebounds
- Mikal Bridges: 11 points, 6 assists
Mavericks' struggles:
- Luka Doncic: 35 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds
- Jalen Brunson: 9 points (3-12 FG)
Prediction: Mavericks could bounce back at home if role players step up alongside Doncic.
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