On May 3, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs continued. In today's East Focus game, the Heat will host the 76ers in the first leg of the season at home. In the first round of the series, the Heat eliminated the Hawks 4-1 and the 76ers eliminated the Raptors 4-2.
Before the start of the game, the Heat released the latest injury report, Butler confirmed that he will return to today's game, in addition to him, Morris (non-COVID-19), Martin (ankle injury), Tucker (calf injury), Strus (hamstring injury), Hiro (respiratory system disease) will be able to play in today's game, but Lowry (hamstring injury) will be absent from this game.
On the 76ers side, Embiid has confirmed that he will not play in series G1 and G2, and he did not travel with the team to Miami.
In response, Harden said: "In this case, we have to learn to sacrifice, I can go and get about 30 points, but we may lose, but if I score 19 points, we may win the game." Anyway, I'm just going to do whatever it takes to win the game. ”
76ers coach Rivers said: "The key is that we have to be firm and determined in difficult situations and play at the pace we want. Asked if Embiid's absence gives the team extra momentum, Rivers said: "I don't think our players, and of course our coaches, are going to pay much attention to that because it really doesn't matter what people say. What matters is what you do, and if someone is absent we will unite. ”
To be sure, in Embiid's absence, Harden will be the core of the 76ers. Rivers said: "We only saw his scoring ability, but we ignored his organizational ability. For the team, the most important thing is to score, not who goes to score. I don't know how Harden will perform today, but I like the way Harden plays, I like the way he's willing to pass the ball to any teammate. ”