Heat vs. 76ers Injury Report: Multiple Superstars are Potentially Incapacitated
The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, will not play against the Miami Heat, and Heat player Jimmy Butler is questionable.
On Christmas, the Miami Heat (17-12) will face the Philadelphia 76ers (20-8) who are shorthanded.
However, Philadelphia may not be alone in its lineup woes. Several prominent players on the Heat’s roster are uncertain for the showcase.
Miami has won two straight games over the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks, vaulting the Heat to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Sixers defeated the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Here’s the injury report:
HEAT
Jimmy Butler: Questionable – Left Calf Strain
Haywood Highsmith: Questionable – Head Cold – NonCovid
Josh Richardson: Probable – Back Spasms
Dru Smith: Out – Right Acl 3rd Degree Sprain
76ERS
Mo Bamba: Probable – Illness
Nicolas Batum: Out – Right Hamstring Strain
Ricky Council IV: Out – G League – Two-Way
Robert Covington: Probable – Right Knee Effusion
Joel Embiid: Out – Right Ankle Sprain
Terquavion Smith: Out – G League – Two-Way
Even in the absence of Embiid, taking down the 76ers is a tall task. Rising star Tyrese Maxey is having a breakout season, averaging 26.4 points on 46.8 percent shooting. The offense runs through the reigning MVP, but it can succeed with him on the sideline.
Miami’s last two contests have taken place without Butler in the lineup. However, the emergence of guard Tyler Herro has propelled them to victory. He could find similar dominance against a Philadelphia backcourt that is mediocre on defense outside of Patrick Beverley.
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