Game 3 of the series much like game 2 was pretty much a one-sided affair, the only difference being it was the Sixers that crushed the Heat at home. Miami Heat shot just 35% from the field and 23% from behind the arc, Sixers on the other hand dropped 16 threes on 48% shooting and beat the Heat by 99-79.However it was a close game going into the 4th quarter with the Sixers leading only by 3 points, Miami was outscored 31-14 in the fourth thanks to some good shooting and defensive stops.
With Embid back, the morale and confidence of the Sixers boosted up and with fans involved, they played solid basketball to take home the win. Heat, on the other hand, didn’t play their brand of basketball and apart from Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, no heat player even touched double figures including Adebayo who was dominating the paint up until now. He ended up with only 9 points and 3 rebounds. It is clear with Embid back, that he and the Heat need to make some adjustments for game 4.
Match Preview Miami Heat
Miami Heat needs to figure out how to deal with Joel Embid in the paint, even though he didn’t have a monster game 3 yet just his impact on the floor was enough for the 76ers. If you are Eric Spoelstra you understand this is not the same series as it was in the first 2 games because an MVP contender is back and he will start dominating.
The heat will not be shooting 35% every night but they need a game plan against the 76ers. Guys like Herro and Tucker will step up, and Jimmy Butler will be doing his thing but life for Bam Adebayo will be tough on both ends of the floor because he will have to defend the best player of the Sixers. His days of living in the paint as we saw in the first two games are over now and it will be a very physical matchup for both the guys.Lowry will also need to step up his game who returned in game 3 for the Heat.
Match Preview Philadelphia 76ers
Doc Rivers will be a happy man after watching the reel of game 3 because his team played very good defence and forced the Heat to take some bad or contested shots, defence has always been an identity of a Doc Rivers team.
Danny Green and Maxey were the highest scoring 76ers with 21 points each, this stat shows even with Embid back they did it collectively which we know they are capable of doing. Embid is the crowd favourite and Philly’s batman playing in that black mask because of his injury. A monster game is coming because we know he is capable of dropping 40 any night and if he does, it will be a nightmare for the Heat.
We have seen Sixers tend to relax and not be consistent with their efforts during the entire series and this needs to change, they have to carry on with the same intensity right from the tip-off as they did in game 3.
Match Details
- Venue: Wells Fargo Centre, Philadelphia
- Date: May 8th, Friday
- Time: 5:30 PM ET USA
Best Picks
1. Joel Embid
Averaging a double-double in the regular season with 30.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in the regular season, he is one of the top contenders to fetch MVP this year. He is expected to have a big night despite his injury.
2. Jimmy Butler
He was their leading scorer in game 3 with 31 points, averaging 21.2 PPG in the regular season, Jimmy is the hardest worker when he is on the court and you can expect him to deliver big time in the conference semifinals as well.
3. Tyrese Maxey
The leading scorer for Philly in the last game and series as well, he has been consistent with his performance throughout and is on the way to becoming the next big superstar in the league.
Miami Heat Vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 4 predicted Starting Line Up
Miami Heat:-
1. K.Lowry [PG]
2. J.Butler [SF]
3. B.Adebayo [C]
4. M.Strus [SG]
5. P.Tucker [PF]
Philadelphia 76ers
1. J.Hardenl [PG]
2. D.Green [SF]
3. J.Embid [C]
4. T.Maxey [SG]
5. T.Harris [PF]
Miami Heat Vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 4 odds
Miami is -130 on the money line and Philadelphia is +105. The over/under for the game is set at 207.5 points.
Miami Heat Vs Philadelphia 76ers head to head stats
They have played 134 games in total with Miami taking home 69 wins and the 76ers winning 65 games.
Miami Heat Vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 4 Prediction
This has been a roller-coaster series with Miami taking the first two games very easily and the Sixers taking game 3 at home. Embid has returned from injury and was looking good. Philly will probably take game 4 in their pocket but we are in for a tough and physical game 4 and the series is on.
Live Streaming: Where to Watch Miami Heat Vs Philadelphia 76ers?
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