The Heat play the Sixers on Christmas day. Previewing this matchup highlights the Heat defense’s “achilles heal” — being able to defend quick guards. I still remember Tyrese Maxey scoring 27 points last year in a game in Miami....
The Heat play the Sixers on Christmas day. Previewing this matchup highlights the Heat defense’s “achilles heal” — being able to defend quick guards. I still remember Tyrese Maxey scoring 27 points last year in a game in Miami. Of course, the major focus of the gameplan will be containing Joel Embiid. Bam Adebayo should be salivating at the chance to matchup with him. Will Tyler Herro continue his scoring streak? Let’s preview the game.
Preview #4: The Sixers are playing good defense.
Check out the team defensive ratings here as the Sixers are in the Top 5 of the league in defense. Specifically, the Heat are allowing opponents to make 67% of field goals at the hoop. The 1st game they played against Chicago was indicative as they gave up multiple layups in the fourth quarter. The Sixers allow 111 points per game and average 45 rebounds per game. That means a lot of extra possessions which can exhaust the Heat defense.
Preview #3: Tyrese Maxey is a Heat killer
Tyrese Maxey, “Heat Killer.” (Photo credit: Tim Nwachukwu, Getty images)Check out this article here from Sixers wire on Tyrese Maxey’s success in the fourth quarter. The time the Sixers played Miami, they blew out the Heat at Miami, 119-96 (Miami beat them down in Philly later on 129-101). Looking at the play-by-play, all you see is Harden and Maxey racking up assists from dribble penetration. Embiid didn’t play in this game, so the Sixers offense morphed. It was a correct strategy change. Maxey has scored over 20 points in the last few games against the Heat. Dribble penetration from quick guards is a stat to watch through the season for Miami and Maxey is a major test.
Preview #2: Will Jimmy Butler play?
It’s December. Jimmy doesn’t need to play vs. Sixers (Credit: Getty Images)If it were up to Coach Spolestra, probably not. Tyler Herro has the keys to the Heat offense and the offense is hot. I would be interested to see how Tyler Herro plays against the Sixers as the primary option. In this scouting profile here on Herro, his ability to make shots is elite but his lack of athleticism and strength prove to be problems. Evidently, Herro only gets to the foul line around four times per game and isn’t a good individual defender. Bam Adebayo will welcome the matchup against Embiid and will be active on offense and getting to the foul line. Jaime Jaquez will have another good game in the “mid-card match” versus the Sixers players.
Preview #1: Will the Sixers win the game?
Philly’s BIG TWO. (Photo credit: Mitchell Leff, Getty Images)The Heat have lost to the Sixers at the Kaseya Center. Miami has won at Philly just as much. Check out Joel Embiid’s stats here versus Miami from Statmuse.com, he has good but not elite numbers. The Sixers have won two straight at home and last played earlier this week. The Heat are rested also. No doubt that Embiid will have a normal game against the Heat. James Harden is no longer in Miami so the intangible will be how the Sixers answer Miami’s physicality. Check out this article here on our site about the Sixers’ triumphs and trials. I can’t wait to write the recap.
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