Game 3 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat is set to take place with the status of Joel Embiid still uncertain. Either way, expect the Miami Heat to continue their optimal defensive effort and avoid the second half lull that cost them in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. Grab the Heat as they get one game closer to going back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years.

Let's take a shot here. I think Joel Embiid does play after participating in shootaround this morning. Might the Sixers still lose by more than 4? Sure if he's well less than 100 percent, but this is their season so I think they can at worst hang close if the MVP is in there and this number will only drop if he is.

Miami is up 2-0 ahead of Friday's second-round matchup against the 76ers and could get better on both ends ahead of the weekend. Kyle Lowry is traveling with the team two weeks after tweaking his hamstring. The visitors should cover if their starting point guard is serviceable for a team that's already secured back-to-back double-digit wins. I like Miami's odds to cover without Lowry, so any shot at a return to the hardwood makes me love the Heat against the spread.

The 76ers have listed Joel Embiid as out for this game with his orbital injury, but reports indicate he still might make a push to play. If he’s out again, that would obviously be a huge loss given that the Heat won both of the first two games by at least 14 points. Even if he plays, though, he might not be completely healthy. Remember, he’s also dealing with a torn ligament in his right thumb that he suffered in the first round. Look for the Heat to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.