Sixers vs Heat Preview: Edgecombe, Maxey Face Miami

The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Miami on March 30 to face the Heat in a game that matters for both teams. Philadelphia sits at 41-33, fighting to avoid the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, Miami holds a 39-36 record and needs every win to climb the standings. Because both teams are chasing playoff positioning, tonight's matchup carries real urgency.

Tyrese Maxey is averaging 31 points per game, making him one of the most dangerous guards in the league. Although he struggled against Golden State — scoring just 14 points on poor shooting — he remains Philadelphia's offensive engine. Joel Embiid sat out that same game for knee management. When healthy, Embiid averages 21 points and nearly 7 rebounds, instantly elevating Philadelphia into contender territory.

Bam Adebayo anchors Miami's lineup, averaging 18 points and nearly 10 rebounds while protecting the rim on defense. However, his recent performance against Atlanta — just 16 points on 25% shooting — raised questions. Tyler Herro is questionable after missing several games, while Norman Powell, Miami's leading scorer at about 23 points per game, is also uncertain to play because of back spasms and illness.

Miami's strength lies in discipline and coaching under Erik Spoelstra, but without Powell and Herro fully healthy, the offense loses firepower. Philadelphia's backcourt of Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe — who averages about 15 points and 1.5 steals — creates matchup problems. If Embiid plays tonight, the Sixers become significantly harder to stop. Both teams need this win, so expect a competitive, hard-fought game from start to finish.