The 76ers are assured of a spot already, but at the time of writing, the Heat still have some work to do. Before their clash with Philly, they could achieve a berth with games against the Cavaliers and Pacers to come.

Still, this one will present bettors with potential value worth exploring based on how well each team has performed throughout the regular season. So, let's preview this upcoming game ahead of its 11:00 AEDT tip-off time on Tuesday, March 31.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Heat to win

Value bet: 76ers in the handicap

Long shot: Embiid to have 30+ points

Betting Preview

Miami will enter the game as hosts after being on the road for three games. They have a strong record, going 23-14 for the regular season, while also being 23-20 against fellow Eastern Conference teams. Of course, with games against the Cavs and Pacers to come, this can change, but, generally, it's clear to see that they tend to do well against teams from their conference and when at home.

For the 76ers, they hold a fairly similar record, hence why they sit just one place above Miami. Their record against Eastern Conference teams leaves a little to be desired, as they are 23-23 before their match against the Charlotte Hornets. Another road game, whatever result occurs will change the 19-16 record they have away from Philadelphia. Still, it's a positive record.

Betting Markets to Watch

Things don't look great for the 76ers when playing the Heat historically. They are 6-12 over the last five years; however, it's worth noting that they turned things around in the most recent meeting, winning 124-117 in February. Before that, they had lost five straight.

In the 124-117 win, an all-around performance from the team helped them. Tyrese Maxey had 28 points, Joel Embiid scored 26, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 21, and VJ Edgecombe scored 19. Embiid and Maxey both had double-doubles. Maxey is likely to be unavailable for this game, while Oubre Jr. could return in some capacity, likely with minutes being limited.

Of the eight games played in Miami, the Heat have won five. This includes the last two meetings, with scores of 117-105 and 106-89.

The handicap is likely to offer value, given the 76ers' injury report. While they have the potential to win, Miami's strong home form and head-to-head record perhaps make them favourites, as does their need to continue to win for a playoff spot. We think the 76ers will still have a shot of covering the spread. If you're new to how to bet on the NBA, understanding handicap markets is essential for finding value.

Our Prediction

Check the latest NBA betting odds at Sportsbet.

We think a Miami Heat win is the most likely outcome. Embiid will offer value in the player props as a long shot, with 30+ points possible. He had 35 in his return game against the Bulls, having sat out a significant number of games through injury. With both teams eyeing NBA playoff odds, this late-season clash carries extra significance.