The Sixers just weren't as sharp against the Heat as they were against the Hornets. Maybe it was an adrenaline dump after such a great battle in Charlotte. Nevertheless the Heat are also just a good team consistently and a quality franchise. Tyler Herro, who has been out a lot this season, has been available in recent weeks and seems to be getting warmed up. It's a fairly scary thought that the Heat are where they are in the standings without having Herro on the court for much of the season. Herro dropped 30 on the Sixers and was pretty clutch down the stretch when the Sixers had a strong chance to win. Ugh.
The Sixers didn't even play all that badly, it was just a fairly tough loss. The Sixers shot a pretty poor percentage and were outrebounded by a pretty substantial margin of 15. The team simply seemed oddly sluggish.
The Sixers remain above the Heat in the Eastern Conference but not by much and the Heat secured the tiebreaker over the Sixers with their victory.
Joel Embiid apparently played sick on Monday vs the Heat and so he's out tonight. I am not remotely surprised he's out though if I'm being honest, based on ya know, history. I'm not too upset by it since they are playing the Wizards who are one of if not the worst team in basketball.
The Sixers' next four games after tonight are really tough as they play the Timberwolves, Pistons, Spurs, and Rockets in that order. I am really hoping Embiid can play in most of, if not all, of those games. It would be sweet to see Embiid vs Wemby.
The Sixers must secure this win tonight vs the Wizards considering that daunting upcoming schedule and where they are in the standings! I like their chances, but they must stay professional and not look past them!
