NBA Playoffs: Sixers vs. Heat Game 3 Preview, No Embiid?

Game 2 wasn’t exactly what some would call a “good basketball game” for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the result was a tough loss at home. The Sixers went cold from deep, the Miami Heat shot uncharacteristically well, and the officiating was spotty at best. Add in the a Dwyane Wade takeover game (which basically everyone afforded the Sixers to give up this series), and the Sixers are now looking at a tied series heading on the road.

For the first time since Joel Embiid was sidelined with a broken orbital bone, the Sixers looked lost down low. So getting the big man back sooner rather than later should be of the utmost importance for the team. That may not happen in Game 3 though, as Embiid was listed as doubtful for the game. The team may have to rely on Amir Johnson and Ersan Ilyasova in the middle again, should Embiid miss the game.

What the Heat did so well in Game 2 was bring some extra physicality against a Sixers team that has thrived in that area for most of the season. Fighting through screens made a major difference for the Heat, as the extra pressure forced the Sixers into shots they didn’t want to take, on top of going 7-36 from the three point line.

If the Sixers are going to be without Embiid, they are going to need to find the physicality that won them 16 straight games heading into the playoffs. The offense needs to get some of the shooters going early, and if that happens the Sixers could be in for a nice bounce back game.

Game Details:

When: 7:00 pm

Watch: TNT, NBC Sports Philadelphia

Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic

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