Injury Report
| Player |
Team |
Date |
Status |
Info |
| Isaiah Joe |
Philadelphia 76ers |
8 May 2022 |
Out (Ankle) |
Joe was OUT for Philadelphia’s Sunday (May 8) game. |
| Dewayne Dedmon |
Miami Heat |
8 May 2022 |
Out (Head) |
Dedmon was OUT for Miami’s Sunday (May 8) game. |
How Can the Sixers Beat the Heat?
The Sixers have been bolstered by the return of Joel Embiid and there’s been no greater beneficiary than the Sixers’ three-point shooting. If they want to beat Miami and take the lead in the series, they need to maintain their scoring from range.
Through their first two games against the Heat, the Sixers were just 14 of 64 from three-point range against the Miami Heat. Through Games 3 and 4 however, they’ve converted on 32 of 66 three-point field goal attempts.
The quality of their shooting has come from having a true interior finishing presence like Joel Embiid. So long as they can keep their ball movement clean with few turnovers, Philadelphia can take the lead in the series.
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Sixers Key Player: (G) James Harden
The Sixers were fortunate to find James Harden in prime form for Game 4 against the Heat. While he’s struggled since joining Philadelphia, he showed just whey he’s so valuable to them as he helped the Sixers level the series with the Heat.
In the Sixers’ Game 4 win over the Heat, Harden posted 31 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal in 40 minutes of play. He shot only 44.4% from the field, but his 6 of 10 night from three-point range sent them over the top.
Harden can still do more to improve on his offensive efficiency, as he committed 6 of the Sixers’ 16 turnovers on the night. If he can improve his ball security, the Sixers would be near unstoppable.
How Can the Heat Beat the Sixers?
The Miami Heat have struggled in their last two games, failing to guard the Sixers on either of their offensive fronts. If they hope to regain the lead in the series, they need to capitalize on their defence.
Despite their last two games against the Philadelphia 76ers being losses, the Heat defence remains threatening. Through the last two games the Heat have forced 34 turnovers, versus just 25 in their first game.
Averaging 19.1 points off turnovers through the playoffs, the Heat need to maintain their pressure defence without being overzealous and giving up open shots. If they can continue to force mistakes out of the Sixers and capitalize with their scoring, the Heat can retake control of the series.
Heat Key Player: (F) Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat have struggled to keep up with the Sixers since the return of Joel Embiid, but star man Jimmy Butler did everything he could to keep his team in the game. He’ll need to be productive once again if they hope to take the lead in the series again.
In the Miami Heat’s Game 4 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Butler was massive. Despite the loss, he posted 40 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 41 minutes of play. To make up for his three-point struggles, he put up a 12 of 13 night from the free throw line to compensate.
Butler has been an excellent all-around force for the Heat through the playoffs. The more productive he is on offence, the more opportunities he can make for his teammates. Fortunately for Miami, his defensive quality is a constant.
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