Christmas Day 2023

76ers-Heat on Christmas Day: 3 key storylines & expert picks

Bam Adebayo looks to lead the way for Miami, while Tyrese Maxey gets an opportunity to shine on a big stage.

John Schuhmann

December 24, 2023 2:25 PM

The 76ers and Heat will face off as part of the NBA’s Christmas Day slate (8 ET, ESPN).

The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat haven’t met in over eight months, but their first matchup of 2023-24 should be special as these two Eastern Conference powerhouses have never faced each other on Christmas Day, until now.

These two teams faced each other in the 2022 playoffs (a conference semifinals series won by the Heat in six games) and this game (8 ET, ESPN) could certainly be a playoff preview for 2024. If nothing else, it will be a great test for two teams with serious goals of contending for a championship.

3 key storylines

The big man’s absence: Joel Embiid turned his right ankle in the Sixers’ win over Toronto on Friday and did not make the trip to Miami. Philly is 0-3 without the reigning MVP this season, but had a fourth quarter lead in Boston (where the Celtics are 14-0) without both Embiid and Tyrese Maxey earlier this month.
Maxey’s Christmas debut: This time, the Sixers will have Maxey, who has blossomed into a star this season, a guard who’s both lightning-quick and one of the league’s best perimeter shooters. Having missed Philly’s win in New York last year, this will be Maxey’s first Christmas game and an opportunity to shine on a big stage.
Adebayo’s shots: Without Embiid, the Sixers will have a tougher time protecting the rim, which is good for Bam Adebayo. The Heat’s center has taken just 28% of his shots in the restricted area this season, down from 36% last season and 45% the season prior. He’s improved his shooting from 6-15 feet, but still isn’t as efficient if he’s settling for short jumpers and not getting to the rim.

All-time Christmas Day records

The 76ers are 19-14 entering this year’s Christmas Day matchup. The Heat are 11-2.

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