Sixers vs. Heat prediction, odds, spread and total for Thursday

The Philadelphia 76ers (52-27) play their final home game of the regular season as they take on the Miami Heat (42-37) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Wells Fargo Center.

Sixers superstar Joel Embiid all but locked up his first MVP award with his third 50-point performance this season in a 103-101 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

Here are my picks and predictions for this Eastern Conference matchup with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Sixers vs. Heatspread: Sixers -3.5 (-108)

While the 76ers are the best team against the spread (ATS) in the NBA this season, Philly has not covered in back-to-back games and in four of its last seven overall. However, Miami has the fifth-worst record ATS on the road and has failed to cover the spread in five of its previous six games on the road.

The Sixers are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 home games and have covered in six of their prior eight following a game in which they do not cover the spread.

Philadelphia just missed covering by less than two points against Boston two nights ago, but I'm betting on the Sixers bouncing back and winning this one by at least four points.

Sixers vs. Heat total: Under 219.5 (-108)

In this matchup, there's no better bet than the under. The total has gone below this line in four straight meetings and in eight of the past 10 games.

What makes an even better case for the under is the injuries. Both teams will most likely be without multiple key pieces as the Sixers' Tyrese Maxey and P.J. Tucker are doubtful for Thursday's matchup, as well as the Heat's star center Bam Adebayo and veteran Kyle Lowry.

With great trends to the under, multiple players doubtful to suit up and two of the top three rated defenses in the NBA going head-to-head, wager on the under as it will be a low-scoring affair yet again between Philadelphia and Miami.

Sixers vs. Heat moneyline: Sixers (-155)

This could be another potential second-round playoff preview when the Heat took down the Sixers in six games last year.

However, with both teams potentially shorthanded Thursday night, I expect we see Embiid only further cement himself as this year's MVP with Philadelphia winning its final game on its home court in the regular season.

My Best Bets

Place a wager on the Sixers moneyline (-160), to cover the -3.5 spread (-105) and the under 219.5 total points scored at -108 on Tipico Sportsbook.