3 Takeaways from Game 2 of Sixers vs. Heat in 2022 NBA Playoffs

The Miami Heat have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their 2022 NBA Playoffs series in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers after scoring a 119-103 win in Game 2. Nitrobetting reacts to that game with three takeaways from that contest. Also don’t forget the latest NBA odds and lines for Game 3 of Miami vs. Philadelphia.

Top takeaways from Sixers vs. Heat Game 2

3. Philly is now in real trouble

There’s only so much the Sixers can do without Joel Embiid. Not having the Cameroonian big man has been painful for the Sixers and it’s seriously hurting their chances to move beyond the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. With Embiid out, the Sixers are forced to use whatever is left of DeAndre Jordan, and so far, they have barely squeezed a thing out of the backup center.

Jordan played 13 minutes in Game 2 and scored just six points with five rebounds. But he looked lost on several occasions defensively. Bam Adebayo kept having his way against Jordan. Without Embiid in the middle for the Sixers, Adebayo has feasted inside in the series. Through two games, Adebayo has managed to average 24.0 points on 80 percent shooting from the field.

Down 0-2, the Sixers will have to dig deep and seriously look at their options heading to Game 3 at home. No team ever in the NBA has ever won a series after being down 0-3, so Game 3 at home is virtually a must-win for Philly.

2. Heat’s bench is doing its part

Adebayo is hardly the only player feasting for the Heat in the second round. Miami’s bench has also stepped up in a big way, led by Tyler Herro — the freshly minted 2021-22 Kia Sixth Man of the Year awardee. Herro exploded in Game 2 with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor. So far in the playoffs, Herro is second on his team with 14.8 points per game. It could get even better for Herro after a performance like he had Wednesday night.

He wasn’t the only one off Miami’s bench who punished the Sixers, as Victor Oladipo showed he still is dangerous by dropping 10 points to go with six rebounds and a trio of triples. Overall, the Heat’s bench poured in 52 points in Game 2 to just 19 by the Sixers’ reserves.

1. Series not over yet

There is a lot of Rocky left in the Sixers. Even though they are clearly on the ropes, they’re far from finished. The Heat have yet to knock them out. The Sixers can still change the complexion of the series with a win in Game 3 at home. There are also reports that Joel Embiid could be back in action as soon as Game 3. Given the situation the Sixers are in, Embiid could really give it a go on Friday, despite being under 100 percent.

Sources tell me Joel Embiid is progressing well and there is real hope for Friday night

Joel would be playing through pain with orbital fracture and torn ligament in his thumb No one can ever question Joel’s toughness pic.twitter.com/9I0z5OS7DY — John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 4, 2022

A hurting Embiid is still considerably better than a healthy DeAndre Jordan, who just couldn’t contribute in net-positive manner on either side of the floor. The Sixers need a win, and they need Embiid to get that before it’s too late.

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