76ers vs. Heat prediction, odds, spread, time: 2023 NBA Christmas Day picks, best bets from proven simulation – CBS Sports
Kaseya Center will showcase a high-profile Eastern Conference matchup during the NBA Christmas Day schedule. The Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Miami Heat in the fourth game of a five-game slate for the league. Philadelphia is off to a tremendous start this season, posting a 20-8 record and an 8-4 mark on the road. Miami is 17-12 despite injury concerns as Jimmy Butler (calf) is questionable after he missed the past two games. The Sixers, meanwhile, have ruled out Joel Embiid (ankle).
SportsLine consensus lists Miami as the 3-point favorite for this 8 p.m. ET tip. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 225.5 in the latest 76ers vs. Heat odds. Before making any Heat vs. 76ers picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 9 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 101-52 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning well over $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Sixers vs. Heat and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Heat vs. Sixers:
- 76ers vs. Heat spread: Heat -3
- 76ers vs. Heat over/under: 225.5 points
- 76ers vs. Heat money line: Heat -150, 76ers +126
- PHI: The 76ers are 8-4 against the spread in home games
- MIA: The Heat are 4-10 against the spread in road games
- 76ers vs. Heat picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the 76ers can cover
While Embiid will be missed, Philadelphia’s offense benefits from the fantastic work of Tyrese Maxey. The young guard is averaging 26.4 points and 6.8 assists per game this season, shooting 40% from 3-point range. Maxey is also averaging 32.3 points and 7.7 assists per game in his last three outings.
Philadelphia ranks in the top two of the NBA in offensive rating (121.5), free throw attempts (27.6 per game) and free throw accuracy (85.6%). The 76ers also have top-eight marks in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, turnover rate, offensive rebound rate, second-chance points, and fast break points, with the Heat ranking last in the NBA in blocked shots (3.1 per game). See which team to pick here.
Why the Heat can cover
Miami has some level of injury uncertainty in Butler’s status. However, the Heat still have offensive firepower with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Herro is averaging 24.2 points per game this season, and he is making more than 43% of his 3-point attempts. Over the last three games, Herro is averaging 27.7 points and 55.4% shooting, and he provides high-level usage for Miami’s offense.
Adebayo is putting up 21.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season, and he is a four-time All-Defensive team selection. Adebayo is one of the most versatile and dynamic big men in the league, and he unlocks Miami’s varied approach on both ends. The Heat are also leading the NBA in 3-point accuracy, making 39.6% of long-range attempts. Miami also ranks in the top three in free throw accuracy (83.3%), with above-average marks in assists (26.2 per game) and turnover prevention (13.3 giveaways per game). See which team to pick here.
How to make Heat vs. 76ers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 230 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Sixers vs. Heat, and which side of the spread is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 101-52 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
