Miami at Philadelphia

The longer an NBA playoff series goes, coaches emphasize intense defense. The 76ers had their backs to the wall in Game 3, but Joel Embiid returned and led a monster defensive effort in Philadelphia's 99-79 win. Miami shot 27-of-77 (35%) from the field, and even the Heat defense was very good as the game sailed UNDER by 32 points. Embiid held Miami All-Star center Bam Adebayo to five points after he got 24 and 23 in the first two games. Miami is on a 7-1 run UNDER after being fourth in the regular season in points and field goal shooting allowed. The Heat were also second at defending beyond the arc. Miami is 28-11 UNDER the total on the road after allowing 105 or fewer points. Philly was ninth in points surrendered, 31-21 UNDER the total versus winning teams, 29-17 UNDER against teams that allow 108 points per contest, and 20-5 UNDER in Game 4 of a playoff series. The UNDER has cashed in six of the last eight meetings, and with so much at stake, look for both teams to bring their 'A' games defensively. Play the UNDER.