2018 NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat preview

Individual Matchups:

Let’s take a look at how the team’s starting lineups matchup versus one another.

PG: Ben Simmons vs. Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic remains an underrated player despite making his first All-Star team this season. He’s the better scorer, but Ben Simmons is better in every other category on both sides of the floor and is seven inches taller, tipping the scales to the rookie. Advantage: 76ers

SG: J.J. Redick vs. Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson has some nice elements to his game and complements the Heat’s roster, but J.J. Redick is the supreme shooter and is perfect in his role to space the floor for Philly. Give me Redick here. Advantage: Heat

SF: Robert Covington vs. Josh Richardson

Two great defenders, and two solid floor-spacers that understand their limitations. This is a legit coin flip because they’re so similar in what they do for their teams. I’ll side with RoCo here due to defensive versatility. Advantage: 76ers

PF: Dario Saric vs. James Johnson

James Johnson is a joy to watch, especially considering his transformation that started last season in Miami. But Dario Saric is the better offensive player and capable of carrying the 76ers for stretches if needed. I’ll side with Dario. Advantage: 76ers

C: Joel Embiid/Amir Johnson vs. Hassan Whiteside

If/when Joel Embiid returns, his and Hassan Whiteside’s rivalry playing out in a postseason will be the biggest talking point about this series. It’s Embiid when healthy, but Whiteside by a mile if Amir Johnson plays. Whiteside should be on the court when these teams head to crunch time, and he could swing the series if Embiid shows rust after the multiple-week absence. Advantage: Depends on Embiid