Sixers preparing for challenge of facing scrappy Heat on Christmas

[76ers Since 74]

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing to head to South Florida to take on the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat on Christmas Day. The Heat will enter the contest at 17-12 and they will offer a test for the Sixers here in the early portion of the season. Led by Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, the Heat are a scrappy bunch who are always ready for any type of battle. The Sixers understand this and as they prepare to invade the Kaseya Center on Christmas, they know what type of challenge awaits them. It doesn’t matter to them that Miami reached the finals in 2023. They’re focused on right now and getting ready to fight. “I would think more so just because they’re the Heat,” De’Anthony Melton said. “They play hard. They play scrappy and they’re real disciplined. So I think those type things is what we need, just in terms of our outcome of the game, but I mean, it’s a new year. Honestly, they made the finals but I think them being who they are as a team is what makes them so challenging.” On one hand, this could be a statement game for the Sixers when considering who the Heat are and what they bring to the table every night. However, both Philadelphia and Miami are still working things out and that’s what the Sixers are focused on. “It’s still early on in the season,” added Robert Covington. “Like we’re still finding ourselves, there’s still so many pieces. Of course, they have the experience and it definitely is a test, but I mean, like I said it’s still new components. It’s not the same team as last year. There’s different components on both sides.” When considering the experience that the Heat have and who they are, this will offer an idea of what’s to come when the playoffs come around in April and May. The Sixers have to be prepared for the challenges. “So it’s just basically getting a feel for what’s gonna happen as the season goes on that line,” Covington added. “It’s gonna be a good test. We know what Miami Heat culture is like so it’s gonna be a great game.” Assistant Rico Hines becoming important voice within Sixers' organizationPistons fall to Nets, tie Sixers for longest losing streak in historyDe'Anthony Melton thankful for Nick Nurse, Sixers for pushing him Email Sign up Like this article? Sign up for the Sixers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning An error has occured Please re-enter your email address. Thanks for signing up! You'll now receive the top Sixers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Source: https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/12 ... christmas/