Post by Grizzlies GM (Royce) on Feb 13, 2023 16:34:24 GMT -5
#2 Miami Heat (21-8) vs. #5 Philadelphia 76ers (19-10)
It wasn't easy, but somehow the Sixers made it to the conference finals rostering dudes like Deandre Jordan and Luke Kornet. The Miami Heat have had a bit of trouble the first 2 rounds, but the roster's quality has shown through in the back halves of the week in both rounds leading them to victory. The Heat are favored, but can the Sixers continue to find a way Sabonis and Trae Young?
The week is not off to a good start for Miami with Myles Turner questionable, THJ questionable, and trade deadline casualties Plumlee and Richardson yet to play with their new teams and likely to have decreased roles. Add onto that only 3 games for Ja Morant and this game is closer than it seems at first glance. It'll be very important for team leaders Ja Morant and Lauri Markannen to be at their very best to match the fire power of Sabonis and Trae Young. However what might be even important is how Josh Richardson and Mason Plumlee fare with their new teams and how much they regress in their new roles.
The Sixers team doesn't look like what you'd expect a team to look like at this stage of the playoffs, but they aren't complaining. And with Haliburton questionable for tonight they may get a short term boost with more Nembhard minutes. Trae Young and Sabonis are playing some of their best ball of the season and Reggie Bullock has been on fire since the trade deadline. This is an ugly team that has managed to get the job done each week, but they have a very tall task in front of them now with Miami.
Heat X-factor: How do Plumlee and Richardson perform on their new teams?
76ers X-factor: Can Sabonis and Young combine for 400 points?
Caleb's pick: Heat
Tyler's pick: Heat
Sarge's pick:
Skip's pick: Heat
