The Eastern Conference battle to avoid the play-in looks set to go right to the wire, and that ups the stakes for tonight’s clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, with both teams at the heart of that race.
Philly is just 5-5 in its last 10 games and still without the suspended Paul George, but Joel Embiid is expected to play here and my Heat vs. 76ers predictions side with the hosts against a Miami squad that’s struggled on the road.
Check out my NBA picks for this February 26 matchup.
Heat vs 76ers prediction
Heat vs 76ers best bet: 76ers -2 (-110)
He’s not moving like peak Joel Embiid, but the former MVP can still get the job done.
The Philadelphia 76ers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games with Embiid on the court, and I’ll lay the points tonight as long as the big fella (probable) is suiting up.
Philly has put together back-to-back wins after a mini skid, while the Miami Heat are 14-17 SU on their travels and had some alarming defensive lapses in a loss in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
In what could be a shootout, I’m trusting Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe to give the 76ers an edge.
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Heat vs 76ers same-game parlay
Embiid and Maxey are going to get their buckets, so Edgecombe’s scoring feels like the X-factor here. He’s poured in 20+ points in three of his last four outings, and he’s averaging 16 PPG in February.
The Philly rookie has had a good week from beyond the arc, too. Edgecombe went 8-for-11 on 3-pointers in wins over the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves, and he’s a lock for open looks as the 76ers’ third option.
Heat vs 76ers SGP
- 76ers -2
- VJ Edgecombe Over 14.5 points
- VJ Edgecombe Over 1.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: It's Raining 3's
The Heat lead the NBA in field goal attempts and allow the third-most 3-pointers per game, so that feels like a recipe for major action from downtown.
Andrew Wiggins has nailed this Over in five straight contests, Norman Powell is a rock-solid 40% career sniper from beyond the arc, and Maxey is jacking up almost nine 3-pointers a night this season.
Heat vs 76ers SGP
- VJ Edgecombe Over 1.5 3-pointers
- Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 3-pointers
- Norman Powell Over 2.5 3-pointers
- Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 3-pointers
Heat vs 76ers odds
- Spread: Miami +2 (-110) | Philadelphia -2 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami +115 | Philadelphia -135
- Over/Under: Over 240.5 (-110) | Under 240.5 (-110)
Heat vs 76ers betting trend to know
The 76ers are 23-16 ATS against Eastern Conference opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. 76ers.
How to watch Heat vs 76ers
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Sun, NBC Sports Philadelphia |
Heat vs 76ers latest injuries
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