NBA Play-In Tournament – Night 2

*These NBA betting tips and player prop picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.

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MIAMI @ PHILADELPHIA

TEAM TRENDS

• The Lakers’ last 6 games against Western opponents have gone Overs.
• The Lakers have won the first half in 7 of their last 8 games against the Pelicans.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/- 

SEASON MATCHUPS

PICKS ATS

The 76ers find themselves in the play-in game largely due to Joel Embiid’s two-month absence due to a meniscus injury, during which the team went 11-18. Since his return, Embiid and the Sixers have regained form, including a victory over the Heat earlier in the month. Tyrese Maxey is a strong contender for Most Improved Player, and Kyle Lowry has proved to be an excellent late-season acquisition.

On the other hand, the Heat have shown inconsistency, though Tyler Herro and trade pick-up Terry Rozier have been performing well. Haywood Highsmith has emerged as a valuable bench player, providing defense and shooting. Key players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jokic have also contributed positively.

Jimmy Butler’s performance will be crucial for Miami. Known for elevating his game in the playoffs, Butler’s impact is undeniable, though he hasn’t quite hit the heights of previous seasons yet. Historically, the Heat have managed Embiid well, especially noted during the 2022 NBA Playoffs when a less-than-fully-fit Embiid was part of the Sixers’ team that was eliminated by Miami.

Despite Miami’s historical edge in matchups where both Embiid and Bam Adebayo have played, Embiid’s form prior to his injury was MVP-caliber. Adebayo is an outstanding defender, but stopping Embiid might be too tall an order this year. Lowry’s personal stakes in facing Butler add an extra layer of intrigue.

This matchup promises not only a showcase of top-tier talent but also a tactical battle between two of the league’s best coaches, Erik Spoelstra and Doc Rivers.

PLAYER TRENDS

• Kyle Lowry has 4+ rebounds in each of his last 9 games against the Heat.
• Tyrese Maxey scored the first basket in the last 3 games between the Heat and 76ers.
• Tyrese Maxey scored 26+ points in his last 6 home games.
• Joel Embiid made 2+ three-pointers in each of his last 4 games.
• Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double in the Heat’s last 4 games against the 76ers.
• Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 21+ points in 4 of his last 5 games after being held to single digits in his previous game.
• Kelly Oubre Jr. 7+ rebounds in 6 of his last 7 games against the Heat.
• Joel Embiid has 6+ assists in 5 of his last 6 home games against Eastern teams.
• Tyler Herro has 22+ points in each of his last 3 games against the 76ers.

PICK – OVER 207.5 TOTAL PTS

ATLANTA @ CHICAGO

TEAM TRENDS

• 8 of the Hawks’ last 9 games against Eastern opponents have gone Overs.
• The underdogs have won the last 4 games between the Hawks and Bulls.
• The Hawks have won the first quarter in their last 3 games as underdogs against the Bulls.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/- 

SEASON MATCHUPS

PICKS ATS

Despite being the least hyped of the four games, the matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls is expected to be highly competitive, featuring two teams that are closely matched in terms of skill and strategy.

The Hawks have maintained their level of play even without Trae Young, who is returning from a hand injury and is expected to be available for the game. However, Atlanta is dealing with significant injuries to key players like Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, which could impact their depth and performance.

On the other side, the Bulls have adapted to the absence of Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball for much of their season. After a tough 5-14 start, Chicago managed to secure home-court advantage for this play-in game, thanks in large part to their effectiveness in clutch situations.

The game will highlight contrasting styles: Chicago tends to focus on exploiting DeMar DeRozan’s midrange prowess and Nikola Vucevic’s abilities as a facilitator, while Atlanta likes to push the pace with Young, emphasizing three-point shooting and lob dunks.

Defensively, the Bulls have previously managed to contain Young effectively, with Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu playing key roles as strong perimeter defenders. Given these factors, along with Chicago’s home-court advantage and their track record in close games—highlighted by DeRozan, a Clutch Player of the Year contender—the Bulls are favored to edge out the Hawks in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.

PLAYER TRENDS

• Dejounte Murray has 6+ assists in 10 of his last 11 games against Eastern opponents.
• Clint Capela has a double-double in 7 of his last 8 games against the Bulls.
• Bogdan Bogdanovic has 20+ points in the Hawks’ last 4 games against the Bulls.
• De’Andre Hunter has 22+ points in 4 of his last 5 games after being held to single digits in his previous game.
• Trae Young has 13+ assists in 5 of his last 6 games against the Bulls.
• DeMar DeRozan has 31+ points in each of his last 3 games against teams with a losing record.
• Nikola Vucevic has 26+ points in his last 3 games.
• De’Andre Hunter has 6+ rebounds in his last 3 games against the Bulls.
• Alex Caruso has 6+ assists in his last 3 games.

PICK – CHICAGO -3.0

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