The matchup is scheduled for the other Eastern Conference Semifinals series: Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers.
It looked like the 76ers were going to sweep the Toronto Raptors in the first round after taking a 3-0 lead to start the series before the Raptors forced a Game 6. Facing immense pressure to avoid a Game 7, the Sixers they rolled into Game 6 with a big third quarter to close out the Raptors.
Despite the scare, Philadelphia prevailed behind MVP candidate Joel Embiid and rising star shooting guard Tyrese Maxey, with co-stars James Harden and Tobias Harris making contributions throughout the series.
Embiid, who is playing with a torn ligament in his right thumb, appeared shaky after the first few games of the series but averaged 26.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Maxey exploded with 38 points in Game 1 and then took over in the deciding third quarter of Game 6, scoring 15 of his 25 points.
Philadelphia’s biggest question mark is which version of Harden they’ll get, as the All-Star guard’s production was lacking in the first round. Harden still made an impact as a passer, but against a feisty Heat defense that will make Embiid’s life as difficult as possible, the 76ers will need their big acquisition at the trade deadline to return to the previously prolific scoring version of themselves. same.
Embiid when asked if Harden needs to make more shots: “I’ve been saying all season, ever since he got here, he just needs to be aggressive and he needs to be himself. That’s not really my job. I’ll probably be in Coach to talk to and tell him to take more shots.”
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) April 26, 2022
Miami’s defense is well versed in shutting down superstars, making Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Trae Young look like a pedestrian in the first round. The Heat’s defense swarmed against the Hawks, keeping them at bay. second worst field goal percentage of all the teams in the first round while forcing third-most turnovers per game.
All-Star forward Jimmy Butler returned to his playoff style in the first round, averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He broke out for 45 points in Game 2 and 36 points in Game 4, but sat out the team’s closing Game 5 with knee inflammation, which will be worth monitoring before Game 1 against Philadelphia.
🔥 45 POINTS for Jimmy Buckets 🔥
A new playoff career record for @JimmyButler put the @Miami Heat up 2-0!
Game 3: Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN pic.twitter.com/xAjzVassBk
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2022
With matchups between Embiid and Bam Adebayo and Harden and Butler, there is no shortage of stars in this series. Which team will prevail and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals?
Key Plot: Health of Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry
This series could be defined by the health and availability of each team’s key players.
It all starts with Embiid, who is clearly playing through pain after being diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Embiid had his thumb evaluated in the first round and while surgery would be the best option, the All-Star center is choosing to play through the pain and carry the procedure into the offseason.
Joel Embiid says he thinks he’ll be able to play until the playoffs, and if the MRI confirms he needs to have surgery on his thumb, he will do so after the playoffs are over.
—Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 23, 2022
He struggled down the stretch of the first-round series and facing Adebayo and Miami’s stifling defense, Embiid will have to overcome his injury and work for every bucket if the 76ers have a chance.
However, the Heat are dealing with two injuries of their own. Veteran floor general Kyle Lowry missed the last two games of their first-round series with a hamstring injury and All-Star forward Butler missed Game 5 with inflammation in his right knee.
While his status has not been updated for the start of the second round, head coach Erik Spoelstra transmitted trust that Butler would have been ready if the Heat needed a Game 6 to beat the Hawks and also “there was a chance” that Lowry would have been available as well.
We’re in for a battle of a series, even if these stars are playing through pain.
Heat vs. 76ers Series Schedule
Heat vs. The 76ers will open at FTX Arena in Miami for Games 1 and 2. Dates have yet to be determined for this series.
Check back once the schedule for the Eastern Conference Semifinals is released.
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Match | Weather |
| Determined | game 1 | Determined |
| Determined | game 2 | Determined |
| Determined | game 3 | Determined |
| Determined | game 4 | Determined |
| Determined | game 5* | Determined |
| Determined | game 6* | Determined |
| Determined | game 7* | Determined |
*If necessary
Predictions and expert forecasts Heat vs. 76ers
Kyle Irving: Heat in seven games
Scott Rafferty: Heat in six games
Carlos gay: Heat in six games
Gilbert MacGregor: Heat in six games
micah adams: Heat in six games
anant pandian: Heat in six games
Reference-www.sportingnews.com