The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Odds Trust the Process, Philadelphia 76ers favored to NBA Finals

By Bret Stuter

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: A detailed view of the protective mask worn by Joel Embiid
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: A detailed view of the protective mask worn by Joel Embiid /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 16: A view of the Philadelphia 76ers logo before the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 16: A view of the Philadelphia 76ers logo before the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Homeward Bound

Now the series is heading back to Philadelphia. And barring a miracle for the Miami Heat, the belief is that Philly will likely advance. It’s a consensus that the Heat taught the Sixers a lesson or two about playoff basketball.  The Sixers not only reclaimed their home court advantage on the road in Miami, but they placed the Miami Heat on the canvas twice. As a result, they return home with a chance to end this series and advance to round two.

Oddsmakers sat up and took notice.

76ers one of NBA Eastern Conference best teams right now

The Philadelphia 76ers are at full strength right now. They’ve won 19 of the last 20 games played, including the four playoff games. While the team is playing hard defense, that offense has been averaging nearly 120 points per game in April 2018.

Next: Who should the Sixers want in round two: Celtics or Bucks?

With all other NBA Eastern playoffs evened up right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are ready to close this one out. And while they will likely find the end to home court advantage as they move forward, winning two in Miami gives them a solid foundation.  Miami, after all, is a team with a solid home court advantage in their own right. Now, returning home, the Philadelphia 76ers are a 9 1/2 point favorite to win. Winning round one is a huge accomplishment this season.  But even the pros see the current Sixers team as a favorite in the NBA Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid, who predicted this moment, continues to back up what he says.