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Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
After missing the last several games Jimmy Butler finally returns to the lineup after dealing with an ankle injury. Miami returned home after a long road trip and with their last game falling against the Indiana Pacers. They will now entertain the Philadelphia 76ers on the second night of a back-to-back looking to get back to winning ways. The 76ers are struggling immensely starting the season 2-9 and doesn't help that Joel Embiid would be missing this game against Miami.
For the Heat Butler made his presence known on his return against his former team finishing the night leading the team in scoring with 30 points. Following him would be Tyler Herro who would cap the night with 18 points. Duncan Robinson was the third highest scorer from the starting lineup finishing the night with 13 points. The most impactful player off the bench for Miami in this game was Dru Smith finishing with 10 points. Both Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr would miss the game dealing with foot injuries.
For the Philadelphia 76ers the big news was Joel Embiid might miss this game due to an illness which has caused controversy that the former league MVP misses games against tough teams. There lead scorer on the night was Jared McCain finishing the game with 20 points followed by Paul George who tapped in with 18 points. Up next was former Heat player Caleb Martin who finished the game with 12 points followed by Embiid who would only contribute 11 points. Off the bench it was Kelly Oubre Jr giving Philly 8 points.
Missing this game for the 76ers was the young star Tyrese Maxey who now has missed his sixth straight game with a hamstring injury. Maxey did participate in the team practice on Sunday and can be making a return soon. Philadelphia had a 19-point lead in the second quarter making it the largest for the Sixers this season. The Heat would make an 11-3 run ending the half and cutting the deficit to just 56-53 after being down most of the game.
From being down 19 to up 17 is what the Heat managed to do in the second half making the 76ers also the first team this season to be up that amount and find themselves down double digits. Miami would go on to defeat the 76ers 106-89 dropping Philadelphia to 2-11 on the season. The loss would prompt a team meeting where Maxey allegedly called out Embiid for always being late everywhere and that having a negative impact on the team.
Next up for the Miami Heat is a home game welcoming the Dallas Mavericks to the Kaseya Center.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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