The Philadelphia 76ers officially have a date set with the high-flying Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals starting on Monday. This should be an absolutely terrific series considering the type of superstars on both teams. The Sixers thankfully escaped a 3-0 collapse in the first round against the Toronto Raptors thanks to a massive 132-97 win in Game 6 as Joel Embiid took over and did his thing.

The big man is obviously crucial to the ultimate success of Philly. But, he is currently battling a thumb injury that does require surgery, although he won't get it until the offseason. Embiid has been clearly playing through pain, but the MVP finalist is motivated as ever to win a title with the Sixers, no matter the discomfort he may be in.

That being said, Embiid will have a tough task against the Heat, who are extremely stout defensively. Bam Adebayo, who was a DPOY finalist, is going to do his absolute best to shut the Sixers star down inside, especially when he's not at full strength. This means others on the Philadelphia roster are going to have to really rise above and play at a high level in order for their squad to have a chance of making it to the conference finals. While there are several different starters who need to perform well, none other is more important than James Harden.

Sixers X-factor in Eastern Conference semifinals vs Heat

James Harden

Harden is the man Daryl Morey went out and traded for in February to give Embiid a legitimate running mate who could hopefully take the Sixers to the promised land. The Beard started off his Philly tenure on a high note, showing early glimpses of sheer brilliance alongside Embiid. But, it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows for Harden with Doc Rivers' group.

In the playoffs thus far, he's averaging 19 points, 10.2 assists, and five rebounds on 38% shooting from deep. Not bad numbers by any means, but the Sixers guard is lacking aggressiveness at times. Embiid even called him out for it, telling Harden to get downhill and attack the rim like he's done throughout the course of his career.

In the series-clinching Game 6, Harden did just that. He finished with 22 points and 15 assists, playing a key part in the outcome. The veteran is very capable of impacting the game in every way imaginable and against a Heat team with so many solid defenders, he must do the same. That hunger we saw on Thursday has to continue to be there. The offensive load can't be put all on Embiid's shoulders. Sure, he's carried the Sixers at many different points, but this is exactly why Morey brought in Harden. To give this team another superstar.

Harden isn't the same guy who averaged 30 and 10. That's totally fine. But, he simply can't have any more 15-point games in the heat of the playoffs. Not if the Sixers want to make their title dreams a reality. Again, if Game 6 vs. Toronto was any indication, the Beard looks poised to keep it going as Philly prepares for an absolute war against Miami.