The matchup between the two has been very similar in terms of statistics. The teams tied the season series 2-2, all losses have come within single digits, both Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler missed three of the four meetings, Tyler Herro also missed two of those matchups. Miami’s leader in all four meetings was Bam Adebayo averaging 20.8 PPG, 13.3 REB, 4.5 AST on 59.3% FG. The Heat as a team averaged 106 PPG, 44% FG, 33.9% 3pt, 80.6% FT, 58 REB, 25.2 AST, 14.3 TO, 12 Points Off Turnovers, and 18.3 Fast Break Points.
For Philadelphia they were led by Tyrese Maxey in all four meetings as he averaged 27.3 PPG, 6.5 REB, 8.3 AST on 45.1% FG and 28.2% from the arc. As a team the Sixers averaged 106 PPG, 45.1% FG, 34.4% 3pt, 78.1% FT, 48.8 REB, 25.8 AST, 11 TO, 18.3 Points Off Turnovers, and 18 Fast Break Points.
The similarities are evident that both teams have the same style of play, Philadelphia did a great job in their wins getting out to a fast start by scoring 30+ in each first quarter followed by Miami having a 16 point, 17-point 3rd and 4th quarter in both losses. In both wins for Miami it was the execution in the fourth quarter that willed Miami to victories as they went up 8+ points in both 4th quarters with under one minute to go. Meanwhile in the losses for Philadelphia they did not shoot well from the free throw line overall and went cold from three in fourth quarter.
If Miami is going to beat the Sixers they will have to slow down Tyrese Maxey, limit their turnovers, and continue to rebound at the high rate they do against Philly. Miami out-rebounded the Sixers in every game they played and they will have to continue that trend in this game to stay in it. Miami also has to execute better offensively with ball movement and the bench has to execute in the non-Jimmy, Bam, Herro minutes.
The 7th seed is on the line and the Heat will want to win so they can have extra days off. The winner plays the second seeded New York Knicks, whereas the loser plays the winner of the Atlanta/Chicago matchup and the winner from that game gets a first round matchup with the Boston Celtics. Let the games begin.
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