Joel Embiid won't be suiting up for a Christmas Day matchup between the 76ers and Heat Monday evening, due to an ankle sprain.
Embiid suffered the injury during the first quarter of Friday’s matchup with the Raptors, but played 35 minutes in the game. Embiid didn't practice with the team Saturday, according to Sixers head coach Nick Nurse. It will be the fourth game Embiid has missed this season.
| 76ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -108 | 225 -110o / -110u | +116 |
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -112 | 225 -110o / -110u | -136 |
News of his absence shifted the 76ers vs. Heat Christmas Day spread significantly. The 76ers were 1.5-point favorites on the road in Miami earlier today before the Embiid news came down, but quickly moved to +3 at various books before settling at +2.5.
Embiid is leading the NBA in scoring this season, averaging 35 points per game. The Sixers big man has already notched two separate 50-point games this season and has scored below 30 points just four times in 25 games.
The 76ers are 0-3 straight up and 1-2 against the spread in the three games Embiid has missed. Meanwhile, playing in Miami on Christmas Day hasn't been kind to visitors as they're 1-5 ATS and failed to cover the spread by an average of 7.75 points.
Maximize your 76ers vs. Heat Christmas Day action with our FanDuel promo code.
