With the NBA trade deadline looming, the Miami Heat will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in a game that will highlight several key players not in uniform.
The Heat will continue to play without the suspended Jimmy Butler, who has been one of the most-talked-about players as Thursday’s trade deadline approaches. Several Western Conference teams have been mentioned as potential trading partners with Miami for the disgruntled star.
The Sixers, meanwhile, likely again will take the court without Paul George (finger), while Joel Embiid will rest as well.
There have been media reports that George, who is in the first year of a four-year, $212 million free-agent deal, is drawing some interest around the league. Philadelphia, which has struggled to reach expectations this season, could look to shake things up before the deadline.
The team already made a move Tuesday, acquiring sharpshooter Quentin Grimes from the Dallas Mavericks for oft-injured swingman Caleb Martin.
“I know him a little bit,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said of Grimes. “I got some guys that played for me down in Houston, so I got to do some intel with them when I heard that we got it. He’s played good. He’s been out there shooting the ball pretty good. I’ll have to see where he fits in, but I think he’s a good addition.”
The Sixers certainly will not be moving Embiid, who returned from a 15-game absence on Tuesday in a 118-116 win over the Mavericks. The former NBA MVP notched a triple-double in his return — 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a crisp 36-minute run — but Nurse indicated post-game that Embiid would sit out Wednesday’s second half of the back-to-back set.
“As long as we stay healthy, I feel like we still have the potential to accomplish what our goal is,” an optimistic Embiid said after his return. “It’s tough, the position that we’re in. But I’ve always believed that we can win, no matter what. We’ve just got to get healthy and stay healthy.”
Philadelphia has won five of its last seven games, while Miami is looking to avoid its third loss in four games.
The Heat fell in Chicago 133-124 Tuesday as the Bulls shot nearly 53 percent from the field, including 19 of 41 from 3-point range.
Miami was led by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro (23 points apiece), while rookie Kel’el Ware registered 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Heat are fairly used to playing without Butler, although the organization still would love to come to a resolution with the veteran forward in some manner.
“At this point, you understand that it’s a business and you don’t forget that at any point that it’s a business,” Adebayo said.
As far as the players who actually are suiting up for Miami, coach Erik Spoelstra will seek a crisper defensive effort Wednesday. Giving up 133 points to a mediocre offensive squad isn’t going to get the job done.
“We were never able to really contain the ball regardless of what scheme we were in,” Spoelstra said. “Yeah, that’s just a tough one. Our defense didn’t travel tonight, and we paid the price.”
Wednesday will be the second of four meetings between the Heat and Sixers this season. Miami notched a 106-89 victory at home in November behind Butler’s 30 points and 10 rebounds.
