76ers Look to Bounce Back Against Heat

The Philadelphia 76ers (15-13) take on the Miami Heat (16-12) at the Wells Fargo Center tonight at 7:00PM.

The 76ers are coming off a terrible loss on the road to the streaking Memphis Grizzlies. It felt like the team left their defense back in Philadelphia as Memphis got every shot they wanted. Joel Embiid and Seth Curry were both late scratches for the game but the effort was nonexistent. Both Embiid and Curry are questionable for tonight’s contest while Ben Simmons (personal) remains out.

The Heat come in 4-3 in the month of December and have been inconsistent thus far. They have some injury problems of their own that they are dealing with. Jimmy Butler, Victor Oladipo, Markieff Morris, Dam Adebayo, and Caleb Martin are all out for various reasons. Sixth man Tyler Herro is also questionable tonight as well. Although the Heat aren’t healthy, they play hard and are always competitive.

Take a look at some things to watch for tonight:

Will the Sixers Play Defense?

The Sixers have been very inconsistent on the defensive end thus far this season. Last season it was a calling card for this team and now they have turned into a mediocre defensive team. Some of this can be attributed to Joel Embiid missing games and Ben Simmons not suiting up, but there is no excuse for the lack of effort they show at times. Let’s hope they can come out with energy on that end to help create some turnovers and get some stops. Also, CAN THIS TEAM STOPPING ALLOWING SO MANY OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS?

Cup of Joe

Is it time for Head Coach Doc Rivers to start playing Isaiah Joe more? Furkan Korkmaz has been in a major drought from long distance for it seems like 6 weeks and the Sixers are desperate for volume 3-point shooting. Korkmaz did score in double digits last night but still didn’t hit a 3-pointer. It may be time for Isaiah Joe to get the nod over Kork until he can get out of his slump.