The Sixers will face the top-seed Miami Heat in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Both teams are dealing with injuries, but none looms larger than Joel Embiid‘s orbital fracture. He is slated to miss the first two games of the series in Miami, but could return in Game 3 or 4. His status could very well determine the length and outcome of the series.
With so much uncertainty, it’s difficult to make concrete predictions. That said, we will do our best. Joining me to offer his perspective is my fellow contributor Jonathan Geib.
Sixers-Heat second round prediction: Christopher Kline
The Heat have the Sixers beat in depth, continuity, and coaching. The health battle is worth monitoring — Kyle Lowry will miss Game 1, while Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and P.J. Tucker are all listed as questionable — but frankly, the Sixers’ chances rest largely on the shoulders of Joel Embiid. If he can’t get back sooner than later, the series will be over swiftly.
Until Embiid’s return, the Sixers will need to get creative. Doc Rivers should explore different small-ball options while catering to James Harden‘s unique playmaking acumen. The Sixers will have to sacrifice defense without Embiid, but good offense — and a fast pace — could help them offset the MVP candidate’s absence.
The issue with running the offense through Harden (and Tyrese Maxey) is that Miami is quite good at containing guards. Trae Young was just rendered invisible for five games, with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and P.J. Tucker heading a dynamic switch-heavy scheme. The Heat have players who can keep Harden out of the paint and irritate him on the perimeter. It will be up to Doc Rivers to scheme Harden into advantageous positions. He needs to target mismatches and get going downhill. If the Sixers just let Harden iso against the Heat’s best defenders, it will not end well.
Harden will have to be the Sixers’ best player if they want to win in Embiid’s absence. That doesn’t mean, however,…
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