The 76ers (24-17) will play the latter half of their back-to-back Saturday in South Beach, visiting the Miami Heat (27-15) for the first time this season.
The Sixers are coming off a strong 111-99 win over the Boston Celtics (21-22) Friday in Philadelphia.
Friday’s win came via a balanced Sixers effort, led by Joel Embiid’s 25-point, 13-rebound double-double, plus six assists, a steal, and a block. Embiid shot 7-for-15 from the floor and 9-for-9 from the free throw line.
In his second game back (health and safety protocols), Tyrese Maxey recorded 23 points, five assists, and a steal. He shot 8-for-16 from the field and 5-for-7 from long range, with his five made 3-pointers tying his career-high.
Tobias Harris finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Seth Curry added 17 points of his own, plus two rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block.
Matisse Thybulle rounded out the Sixers’ starting five, and finished with eight points, four rebounds, an assist, two blocks, and five steals - a new season high, and tying his career-high.
Despite having won eight of their last nine games, Embiid believes the Sixers are far from peaking:
Rivers praised Embiid for his continued leadership growth, and getting his teammates involved:
As of Saturday afternoon, Danny Green (right hip pain), Shake Milton (back contusion), Matisse Thybulle (right shoulder soreness), Ben Simmons (personal reasons), and Jaden Springer (G League - on assignment) are out versus Miami.
Saturday’s matchup tips at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Opponent Outlook:
The Heat (27-15) are also facing the second night of a back-to-back, after winning over Atlanta, 124-118, Friday in Miami.
Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat in scoring Friday, finishing with 24 points, two rebounds, and three assists off the bench. Jimmy Butler scored a 23-point, 10-assist double-double, plus three rebounds, two steals, and a block.
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