The big news here is Joel Embiid is out with a sprained ankle. Embiid is a strong rebounder and rim protector, but his absence is going to be felt more on Philadelphia's offense. Embiid leads the NBA in scoring at 35 points a game. He also averages six assists.

The Heat may be without their superstar, too. Jimmy Butler has missed the last two games with a strained left calf. He's questionable.

These already are two strong defenses and now they might dodge each team's best player. The 76ers rank sixth in scoring defense. Miami is right below them, giving up the seventh-fewest points per game.

The 76ers have held their seven opponents to an average of 102.5 points. The Heat last played on Friday giving their coach, defensive whiz Erik Spoelstra, ample planning time for this matchup.