76ers vs. Heat Play-In Matchup Has NBA Fans Excited for Start of 2024 Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat will officially be taking part in the Eastern Conference's 7-8 play-in game on Wednesday.

This is a loaded matchup to say the least. Both teams were considered contenders for the Eastern Conference crown before the season, and it still wouldn't be a major shock to see either make a run to the NBA Finals from the play-in tournamwnt.

But various circumstances led to the 76ers and Heat needing to win their way into the playoffs.

Philadelphia missed Joel Embiid for two-plus months with a meniscus injury and struggled during his time away. The Heat missed Tyler Herro for half a season and Jimmy Butler for over 20 games. Still, the two teams nearly qualified for the top six but fell just short.

However, this game marks a great start to the Eastern Conference playoffs, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed and playing the No. 2 seed New York Knicks. The loser will need to beat either the No. 9 seed Chicago Bulls or No. 10 Atlanta Hawks to make the postseason, and that will lead to a matchup against the No. 1 Boston Celtics.

So the C's and Knicks could be facing some powerful first-round opponents loaded with star power. Until then, though, fans are amped for this game and what lies ahead.

Tipoff for 76ers vs. Heat is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Philadelphia.