76ers vs. Heat: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
January 21, 2012
The surging Philadelphia 76ers (11-4) will take on the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat (10-4) on Saturday night in South Beach.
The Sixers have won eight of their past 10 while the Heat are back on track after blowing out the Spurs and Lakers at home despite missing Dwyane Wade in their lineup.
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL
When: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 7:30 PM ET
Watch: Sun Sports or stream live with NBA League Pass
Listen: Miami: WAXY 790 AM Philadelphia: WIP 610 AM
Betting Line
Heat -7.5 over 76ers, according to covers.com. Miami has been dominant at home this season to say the least, and Philly has been most suspect on the road, winning just four of seven to begin the year. Miami is the hands down favorite in this one, even without Dwyane Wade.
Over/Under: 195, according to covers.com. Both of these teams can score, but they play equally great defense. In a high-intensity matchup like this one, expect points to come tough.
Key Injuries
Heat: Dwyane Wade (ankle), day-to-day and questionable for Saturday night's game against the 76ers, according to ESPN.com.
76ers: Spencer Hawes (Achilles), day-to-day and will miss Saturday night's game against the Heat, according to ESPN.com
What's At Stake?
The No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference standings is at stake Saturday night in South Beach. The Sixers currently sit behind only the Bulls at the top of current standings, while the Heat are in fourth behind the third-place Magic.
The winner will also take bragging rights in what is becoming a juicy rivalry thanks to last postseason's entertaining first-round playoff series between the two teams, which the Heat won in five games.
What They're Saying
NBA fans are excited to see the Heat's new threads Saturday night against the Sixers. Without a doubt, the "Floridian" jerseys are an NBA classic.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recognizes the superstar trait that sets his team apart from the rest. He'll need another Herculean effort from LeBron James, though, if the Heat are to improve to 6-0 without Dwyane Wade.
"We don't take (James') talent for granted, nor do we take Dwyane's talent or Chris (Bosh's) talent, they're special players and they can rise to the occasion."
Heat Player to Watch
LeBron James: Not surprisingly, LeBron James will be the player to watch for the home team on Saturday night. James is averaging a preposterous 29.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG and 7.6 APG this season while carrying the load for the wounded Heat. James has scored 30-plus in each of the past three games and has led Miami to two consecutive blowout wins at home.
76ers Player to Watch
Andre Igoudala: No question, the best player suiting up for the Sixers on Saturday night is swingman Andre Igoudala. He's averaging more than 14 points per game for Philly while racking up more than six rebounds, four assists and two steals per night as a small forward.
Key Matchup
LeBron James vs. 76ers defense: With Dwyane Wade questionable to play, the 76ers defense will have to zero in on LeBron James Saturday night. As already mentioned, No. 6 has been scoring points in bunches as of late, and that could change against a defense that is allowing less than 87 PPG to opponents in 2011-12.
Prediction
The Sixers are coming into Saturday night's game hot, but so are the Heat. Miami's home-court advantage gives them the edge and the Heat stay undefeated without Dwyane Wade in the lineup.
Heat 95, 76ers 88
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