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

3. Which bench unit will step up?

I’ve already discussed the strength in numbers approach the Miami Heat have taken in recent seasons, and the lineup flexibility coach Spoelstra has with his group. Having Dwyane Wade, Justise Winslow, Kelly Olynyk, Bam Adebayo and Wayne Ellington as a bench unit is something to feel comfortable about heading into a postseason series.

Miami’s bench could carry this team for stretches of a game, and I could see Spo sticking with them in close games if Wade is getting into the paint and Ellington is burying 3s from all over. But the 76ers bench is formidable too now that they’re up to full strength with Markelle Fultz back in the mix.

Like Miami’s second-unit, the 76ers boast a solid blend of youth and veterans into their bench lineup. Fultz looks great running this unit, and playing with experienced players like Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova who space the floor and bring a calm presence to the floor helps.

Both benches are deep and filled with talent that can make a difference in this series. We know about Miami’s depth, but don’t be surprised if Philly’s second unit is the one making the larger impact as this series progresses.