Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers Thurs. April 21, 2011 8 p.m. EST

The Miami Heat came into the 2011 NBA playoffs with extremely high expectations as it was basically an NBA title or bust. With that being the case, this team was under a lot of pressure coming into their first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers and really struggled out of the gate against a motivated squad led by head coach Doug Collins.

Despite the Philadelphia 76ers giving the Miami Heat a run for their money in the Game 1 and in parts of Game 2, LeBron James and company have been able to get out to a 2-0 lead in this first-round series. There is no doubt that the Heat have underestimated the 76ers in the first round as Andre Iguodala and company have played much better than anticipated, but Miami has been able to correct their mistakes and get out to an early lead before the series shifts to Philly for Game 3.

Obviously, with the Philadelphia 76ers proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in this series, the Miami Heat will not be taking this team lightly anymore and know that they will have to give it their all in Game 3.

In my opinion, if the 76ers can get back on track in Game 3 with a win they will be back in this series, but if the Miami Heat gets their third win this series will almost certainly be over. There is a possibility that the 76ers will win Game 4, but the series will be over regardless if LeBron James and company come out on top in Game 3.

As of right now, the Miami Heat is favored by just -4.5 to win Game 3. This spread is pretty low in my opinion, but the low spread might be because this game will be played in Philly.

Take the Heat at -4.5 from these leading online sportsbooks

DSI Sportsbook:
Spread: Miami Heat -4.5 & Philadelphia 76ers +4.511.5
Moneyline: Miami Heat -195 & Philadelphia 76ers +165
Over/Under: Miami Heat 110 Philadelphia 76ers 110 under (187)

Bookmaker Sportsbook:
Spread: Miami Heat -4.5 & Philadelphia 76ers +4.511.5
Moneyline: Miami Heat -195 & Philadelphia 76ers +165
Over/Under: Miami Heat 110 Philadelphia 76ers 110 under (187)

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