With a tumultuous-at-times regular season behind them, the Miami Heat open the NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday in Miami. The biggest uncertainty heading into the opening playoff series is whether Philadelphia can win a game against the Heat.
The 76ers are almost an afterthought to the Heat. While second-seeded Miami is coming off a 58-24 regular season, No. 7 seed Philadelphia finished 41-41, average in nearly every statistical category.
Miami won all three regular-season contests against the Sixers, each by a margin of nine points or more. Many are willing to overlook Philadelphia for Miami's next two likely playoff opponents, the Boston Celtics and top-seeded Chicago Bulls. Indeed, Thursday on WQAM, Chris Bosh was asked whether Boston or Chicago were the toughest test facing the Heat, nevermind the 76ers.
The 76ers run a fast-paced offense, but that system played into the Heat's hands in their last meeting, allowing Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade to combine for 91 points.
Philadelphia's lack of height at the center position let Erik Spoelstra shift Bosh to the center position and James to the power forward spot, putting another shooter on the floor to get open looks (James Jones or Mike Miller), and clearing space in the paint for any of the Big Three to drive to the basket.
Philadelphia may have more depth than Miami (the 76ers have six players averaging over 10 points a game, compared to Miami's three), but Miami's Big Three gives them at least two of the best players on the court at all times (usually that number is three). Barring a disappearance by James, Wade, or Bosh, Philadelphia will simply struggle to contain Miami on offense.
Miami is a team with much loftier aspirations than a first-round victory. A series loss to Philadelphia would be an utter embarrassment for a team created to win multiple championships.
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David Hill is a Miami native and former owner of a youth replica Rony Seikaly jersey.
