Game 2
Looking at the game one stats the Heat did what they have done all season which is win no matter who is on the floor. The Sixers went 6 of 34 from the 3 point line at stat that if they don’t improve they have no shot of winning tonight. They also had no answers when Adebayo was on the floor, he had a +26 for game 1, Strus +27. Even Herro added 25 points but was only +4 for his time on the floor. Philly 6-8 without Embiid playing this year and in order for them to have a chance they will have to shoot the three better and most likely get to the free throw line more. Harden only had 4 free throws in game 1, the Sixers had 20 as a team which is more than the Heat had true, but below their season average 23.9, a lot of that and the 3 point shooting is going to rely on dribble penetration. If they are passing it around and relying on the step back without the threat of the dribble drive then things won’t change. It’ll be interesting to see if the Sixers are even able to make a game out of this because from the way game 1 went they may end up having to hold out until Embiid returns and hoping they can extend the series with their home games.
After the Suns made it 10 in row vs. the Mavericks and Dallas won the 4th by 10 points because that game was on the verge of being a massacre. Luka got all he wanted going for 45 but when all the Suns starters were in double digits you could see how far the Mavs are away from climbing to the top of the Western Conference. We will see what adjustments get made and if that matters or if Phoenix is just that much of a better team.
I think the most likely scenario is both home teams win tonight. These guys have worked hard to get the number one seeds and to lose one of these home games here would be to throw away the entire season and lose home court in the seven game series.