The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons Philadelphia 76ers defeat Miami Heat in round one

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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V. Emotional return of Joel Embiid to the basketball court

Center Joel Embiid, regardless of what happens on the basketball court, is the leader of this team. And as such, there is no way to quantify what his absence in game one of the NBA Playoffs will do to the Philadelphia 76ers. Will their focus improve in necessity? Will the team be outmatched until Embiid returns? It’s hard to predict.  But there is no guesswork at the emotional lift seeing Joel Embiid back on the court.

Whether it happens on the road or at home, the team will benefit. But if it happens at home, you can bet the stands will swell with a standing ovation. When you look at the most effective five-man lineups for the 76ers this season, the common thread among all is Joel Embiid.

Who was that masked man?

Center Joel Embiid will no doubt play with a protective face mask. That alone will require some getting used to.  While Embiid will not play in game one of the NBA Playoffs, there is hope for his return for game two in Philadelphia. Even if just a cameo appearance, I expect the team to make every effort to get Embiid in front of home town fans.

Next: Good cop-bad cop on the Sixers making the Finals

And with the return of Embiid, even if restricted minutes, will ensure the 76ers advance. Why?  Simply stated, the 76ers match up too well for the Heat right now. Miami has nine players who can score in double digits. But few players on that team can take over in a game. Perhaps a Dwayne Wade, but that’s it. The Philadelphia 76ers can get a spark from Redick, Simmons, Saric, Belinelli and Embiid on any given night. But the player to keep an eye on is Markelle Fultz.  In the end, the Miami Heat is the NBA version of perennial playoff team who will not challenge for a championship. The Philadelphia 76ers are the new version of team, designed to achieve incredible heights. Sixers win and advance past round one.