The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t enjoy their time in Miami for Games 1 and 2. They returned home trailing 2-0 in the second-round series after two sound defeats against the Heat and are looking to get back on track in Game 3. Joel Embiid missed the first two games with a concussion and a facial fracture, but he made his return to the lineup on Friday. His presence along with playing at home should provide a major boost for the Sixers, who are badly in need of a win. After three quarters, the 76ers own a 68-65 lead over the Heat.
The Sixers are 0-13 all-time in best-of-seven series when trailing 0-2. Doc Rivers is also 0-3 in his career when losing the first two games of a best-of-seven series. Miami, meanwhile, is 16-0 when leading 2-0 (12-0 under Erik Spoelstra) in a seven-game series. The Heat are just 3-11 record in their past 14 trips to Philadelphia, which works in the 76ers’ favor for Game 3 and 4. James Harden has struggled vs. Miami, and in recent postseason play. He finished with 20 points in Game 2, marking the 12th straight playoff game he’s scored below 25 or more points. Embiid’s return will be huge, but Philly will need Harden to raise his game as well.
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