It’s a battle of the East’s 7th and 8th seeds, who also happen to have identical 37-30 records. The Miami Heat lead the season series, 2-0.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Miami Heat (37-30, 20-15 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Terry Rozier
• Duncan Robinson
• Jimmy Butler (day-to-day)
• Caleb Martin
• Bam Adebayo

The Heat are now winners of back-to-back games after going through a four-game skid, granted, these last two were against the lowly Detroit Pistons. Still, it’s a momentum-builder, especially since Monday’s 104-101 victory was via Bam Adebayo’s game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.

Having already won twice vs. Philly this season–119-113 on December 26th, and 109-104 last February 15th–the Heat would also be bringing an extra pep on their step. It’s needed boost since they’ll be on 0-days rest.

As always, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will lead the way. The former missed Monday’s game but there’s a chance he returns tomorrow. The latter, meanwhile, is putting up 24.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on 62.1% shooting in two games against the Sixers this season.

With Tyler Herro still out, other designated shooter Duncan Robinson figures to stay hot. He had 30 points with seven treys on Monday. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. could be a factor too. Though he has slowed down recently, he’s at 21.5 PPG opposite Philadelphia this season.

HOME: Philadelphia 76ers (37-30, 20-15 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Kyle Lowry
• Tyrese Maxey
• Tobias Harris (day-to-day) / Kelly Oubre
• Nic Batum
• Mo Bamba

The Sixers are coming off a 109-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets, but overall, their struggles without Joel Embiid are still glaring. The big man simply cannot return soon enough. They have gone 8-13 since he went down (106.8 PPG, 112.8 PAPG).

Tyrese Maxey (26.0 PPG) remains as the number one option with Embiid out. He had 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in their defeat to Miami last month. With Tobias Harris potentially out, Buddy Hield may also be a factor, especially since he posted 22 points and 10 assists the last time he faced the Heat. Big man Paul Reed will also be eyed to produce as he notched a double-double of 18 points and 12 boards in the aforementioned game.

Lastly, there’s Kelly Oubre Jr.. Though usually hot-and-cold, he’s on the “hot” phase as he is sitting at 20.5 PPG in his last eight outings.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Sixers (-2.5) fail to cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 208.5.