With a Miami Heat Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers coming on Wednesday, many will tune in to see if Miami can take a commanding 2-0 lead. Ahead of the Sixers-Heat game, we'll be making our Heat Game 2 predictions.

Miami dominated in Game 1, as Sixers star Joel Embiid was out with a right orbital fracture. Embiid's absence spells problems for the Sixers, as he is their best player and everything starts with him on both ends.

 

Philadelphia traded for James Harden at the deadline, but he has been unable to carry the load. In Game 1, Harden finished with 16 points and five assists on 5-of-13 shooting. With Embiid out, many expected him to step up, but Miami's defense played great once again and shut him down.

The Heat had a great team effort on both ends of the floor, resulting in domination over the Sixers. Bam Adebayo had a phenomenal performance, scoring 24 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out four assists. His impact defensively was instrumental in their victory, as he got two steals and a block.

Tyler Herro has been elite off the bench all season long, and that continued in Game 1. It's no surprise, as he took home the Sixth Man of the Year Award. He led the Heat in scoring and assists with 25 points and seven assists. He shot 9-of-17 from the field and an efficient 4-of-6 from downtown.

Embiid will be out again in Game 2, which gives Miami the edge. With that said, let's move on to our Heat Game 2 predictions.

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Miami Heat Game 2 Predictions vs. Sixers

3. Heat contain James Harden again

James Harden is one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, but he has not been relied upon to be the top scoring option since he left the Houston Rockets. The Heat did a great job limiting the number of shots he put up in Game 1 just like they did with Trae Young, crowding him and not giving him much airspace to get off good looks.

Harden is known for drawing fouls, but the Heat limited him to just four foul shots as well. Miami also forced him to turn the ball over five times, disrupting his ability to be a playmaker for his team.

With no Embiid and a great defensive system, Miami should keep Harden from taking over once again.

2. Jimmy Butler takes over, scores 30 

Jimmy Butler is having another sensational playoff run, similar to how he did in the 2020 NBA Playoffs in the bubble. Butler is averaging 27.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.6 steals in the postseason.

Butler is great at getting to his spots in the paint or from mid-range. He can also hit an open 3 if the defense leaves him open. Philadelphia doesn't have an elite defense with its rim protector in Embiid out.

Butler should be able to take over this game and showcase his scoring ability to the world.

1. Heat destroy Sixers, take 2-0 series lead

Although the Sixers have a good roster without Embiid, with Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey, the Heat are too much for them. Miami has a well-constructed roster with everyone buying into coach Erik Spoelstra's system and the Heat culture.

Miami played suffocating defense on the Sixers in Game 1, and there is no reason to think it won't happen again. Philadelphia also doesn't have the talent and depth to contain the Heat's offensive attack, which has many different scoring options even with Kyle Lowry still sidelined.

The Heat have a shot at winning the title, and winning this game is crucial. With no Embiid, it should be another easy victory for the Heat.