The NBA’s attention turns back to Philadelphia and Dallas for pivotal game 6’s tonight, as the 76ers and Mavericks look to stave off elimination. In both games, the stars will be critical in each of the team’s success.
Let’s take a closer look at both games and see where the value remains.
#1. Heat ML | +115 at DK Sportsbook
After losing out on the MVP award earlier in the day, Joel Embiid looked lost for large stretches of the 76ers 120-85 loss at Miami on Tuesday. His All-Star counterpart, Jimmy Butler, scored 23 points in the rout and was able to rest for large portions of the game.
With a combined 23 points off the bench, Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo were big contributors, as they were large catalysts in the Heat pulling away late and holding onto the lead.
For the 76ers, not only was Embiids 17 points and 5 boards cause for concern, but no other player scored more than 14 as the offense sputtered all night long. Frankly, the 76ers lacked any level of serious effort from the start, going down early and never able to recover.
With the season on the line now in Philly, I assume the Heat smell blood in the water as they look to close out the series tonight. Averaging 26.6 points per game in this series, I look for a monster performance from Butler as he punches Miami’s ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.
#2. Mavericks ML | +110 at DK Sportsbook
We appear to have a serious NBA rivalry on our hands that could last for decades, as Devin Booker and Luka Doncic have developed a serious disdain for one another as this series has gone on. Now taking a 3-2 lead back to Dallas after a 110-80 win in Phoenix on Tuesday, the Suns will look to close out the series following one of the Mavericks’ worst offensive performances of the season.
As far as Doncic is concerned, he’s been good for 32 points and 9.6 boards in the series but has struggled to find help from others. In front of their home fans, however, the Mavericks have been a different team. Having won four straight in front of their home fans this postseason, the Mavericks are covering by an average of 13.5 points.
Like I expect from Miami’s star, I expect an even bigger performance from Dallas’ as Doncic goes off with help from Jalen Brunson in the backcourt.
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