NBA
Are the Sixers eliminated if they lose to the Heat in the play-in game?
After the action last night, it turns to the Sixers and the Heat to bring the entertainment, but what’s at stake?
The NBA is hotting up as April rolls on and last night saw drama on the court as LeBron and co got past Zion Williamson (just) while Steph Curry crashed out against the Kings in another sensational game.
Tonight it’s the turn of the Sixers as they take on the Heat (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.) and Wells Fargo Center will be rocking for the hugely anticipated tie.
But what’s at stake? What happens if the Sixers lose to their Miami rivals?
Are the Sixers eliminated if they lose to the Heat in the play-in game?
The winner of the game will secure the No. 7 seed and go up against the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
If, however, the Sixers lose to the Heat, they would play the winner of the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, which also takes place Wednesday night.
The Sixers would play against the Bulls/Hawks on Friday night at Wells Fargo Center; the loser of the Bulls-Hawks contest will be eliminated.
As for the winner of the game between the Sixers and Bulls/Hawks, they would play the Boston Celtics (No. 1 seed) in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
More information
Will Joel Embiid play against the Heat today?
Ahead of the game against Miami, Embiid is listed as questionable due to a left knee injury. However, he’s expected to make the lineup when the time comes. Embiid sent pulses racing when he felt something in his already surgically repaired left knee Friday against the Orlando Magic, but he managed to get back onto the court.
The game between the Heat and the Sixers will be played at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, April 17, with tip-off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
You can follow the game live with our man Dane on AS USA as the action unfolds in Philadelphia.