It took Philadelphia 76ers only five games to eliminate Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs and clinch the spot in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. 76ers welcomed the Heat at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night and greeted them with a 104-91 win, which gave the 76ers a 4-1 win in the series.

The 76ers young stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid had another stellar game and showed that they are the rising force and probably a duo that will mark the NBA in the years to come. Simmons had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists while Embiid finished the game with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

“I kind of promised the city this,” – said 76ers’ center Joel Embiid.

“We feel like we’re unstoppable and we can get whatever we want to. That’s the goal and we’re going to do what it takes to get there.” – he added.

The success of the Philadelphia 76ers is even bigger when you realize that they ended the last season with 28-54 record. This will be their first Eastern Conference Semi-Finals since 2012.

“We’ve changed our goals like four times,” – said JJ Redick. “First, it was make the playoffs, then win 50 games, then getting home court, then getting the No. 3 seed.”

Now the Philadelphia 76ers are waiting to see who will get the better end of the series between Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. One thing is for sure, neither of them will have an easy task against this rising Philadelphia team.

“That is a monumental effort, given where we were and where we are,” – said 76ers’ head coach Brett Brown in the locker room after Game 5. “To win a round in the playoffs is not to be denied. That’s special, especially given where we have come from. That’s the first thing. And the second thing, and I have said this to you — I believe it, you believe it — we have so much more to grow and give.”

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Despite being one of Miami Heat’s key players during the regular season, Hassan Whiteside saw his minutes going down in the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 28-year-old center played 13.5 minutes on average in the first three games of the series. After the Heat suffered a 128-108 defeat at home in Game 3, Whiteside said he wants “to get more minutes” while underlining that he still believes the decision-making of coach Erik Spoelstra.

“I want to get more rebounds out there. I want to get more minutes out there. I’m just going to keep trusting coach’s decision-making,” – said Whiteside. “Even with the fouls, I still could have been out there. I wouldn’t have fouled out. I am going to keep trusting coach’s decision-making.“

Hassan Whiteside averaged 14 points and 11.4 rebounds during the regular season, but those numbers dropped to 3.7 points and four rebounds in the playoffs. The player thinks that the dip in the production is caused by Heat’s offensive approach.

“It’s just different, man. I feel like our offense is a lot different. I’m not as involved in as many dribble handoffs as I was and post-ups as I was in the regular season,” – he added. “That’s what coach [Spoelstra] wants. Coach wants me to just be in the corner and set picks. That’s what he wants. I’ve just got to trust it.“

One of the reasons for Whiteside’s diminished role in the first two games was 76ers decision to play a smaller lineup due to the absence of Joel Embiid. In the Game 3, however, Whiteside still didn’t get more playing time even with Embiid’s return, since he picked up two early fouls and continued to struggle with foul trouble throughout the game.

Erik Spoelstra took the part of the blame for Whiteside’s poor production while talking to reporters after Thursday’s loss.

“He might not necessarily put up the numbers, but it’s part of my job to figure it out and figure out how he can get to his strengths and be an impact player for us,” – said Spoelstra. “It starts with the defense, the rebounding. He has a lot of responsibilities for us offensively. I’ll spend some time working that out in the next day in a half.“

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Philadelphia 76ers announced that their All-Star center Joel Embiid is doubtful for the Game 3 clash against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The first round series between 76ers and Heat is tied 1-1 with Embiid missing both games.

Medical Update:

Joel Embiid – (orbital bone fracture, left eye) is doubtful for tomorrow night’s game at Miami.

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 18, 2018

Joel Embiid has been out since March 28, when he suffered a broken orbital bone and a concussion in the game against the Knicks. The 24-year-old participated in 76ers practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. The team declined to give the definitive timetable for his return.

Philadelphia 76ers went on 9-0 run following Embiid’s injury, before suffering a 113-103 defeat at home in Game 2 against the Miami Heat. 76ers coach Brett Brown said earlier in the week that the team is focused on the player’s health and won’t rush him back to the court even if they fall back behind in the series.

“It’s about what’s best for Joel’s health,” – said Brown.

Brown also added that Embiid will not be 100 percent ready even when he returns.

“Whenever the time comes when he does play, I think [his conditioning will improve] in a more rapid way. His body looks great,” – he said. “If you just look at him physically, I think he looks fantastic. I feel like it will kick in quicker than most.“

After missing his rookie season with a foot injury, and playing only 31 games in his second season, Joel Embiid established himself as an NBA All-Star in 2017-18. He played in 63 games of the regular season, averaging 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per game.

The post 76ers Joel Embiid Doubtful For Game 3 against the Heat appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA Playoffs 2018 are finally here. Regular season wrapped up on Wednesday and now we know who made it to the postseason, and who will spend their time planning vacations.

We decided to use this small window between the end of the regular season and start of the first round of the playoffs on April 14th to think hard about everything we have seen in the past 82 games and enter the “predictions business.” We made our picks for the winners of all the NBA Playoffs 2018 first-round series and we shall stick with them until the very end. This time we are predicting Eastern Conference. (You can check out our Western Conference predictions here.)

Although Eastern Conference is often considered weak and not quite interesting as the West, this year’s first round of the playoffs might be something else. Due to various injuries and other factors, we have some big matchups in the first round that no one expected before the season started. So who will make it out?

(1) Toronto Raptors vs. (8) Washington Wizards

Prediction:
Toronto Raptors win 4-1

Why:
It’s fairly simple. Toronto Raptors entered the NBA Playoffs 2018 with a second-best record in the league, have a great coach in Dwane Casey, and have an awesome depth on the roster. Washington Wizards, on the other hands, entered this season with great expectations but eventually had a disappointing season so far. That won’t change against the Raptors, especially since we don’t even know how healthy John Wall is. Presume some games will be close, but Raptors will own this series.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks

Prediction:
Milwaukee Bucks win 3-4

Why:
This one was really tough. While Boston Celtics’ roster is destroyed by injuries, Brad Stevens has shown us that he can keep winning just with a couple of promising youngsters and handful of veterans. But, Milwaukee Bucks have too much talent to throw away this opportunity. It will be a close series, but Giannis Antetokounmpo will take over the last game and will the Buck into the second round.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Miami Heat

Prediction:
Philadelphia 76ers win 4-2

Why:
Miami Heat will give Philadelphia 76ers run for their money that’s for sure. There will be multiple games that will come down to last possession, where Miami Heat will see the opportunity to use their experience and steal a game they usually wouldn’t win. But the young 76ers team will never lose control over the series and won’t allow an elimination game.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Indiana Pacers

Prediction:
Cleveland Cavaliers win 4-0

Why:
LeBron James, that’s why. Don’t get us wrong, we respect what Indiana Pacers and Victor Oladipo did this season. After Paul George left Indiana, Oladipo became a new hero and brought hope to a desperate team. But, despite their problems, Cleveland Cavaliers will still have the best player on the planet who will create havoc even with an average supporting cast.

The post Opinion: NBA Playoffs 2018 First Round Predictions – Eastern Conference appeared first on SportzBonanza.

It took Philadelphia 76ers only five games to eliminate Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs and clinch the spot in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. 76ers welcomed the Heat at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night and greeted them with a 104-91 win, which gave the 76ers a 4-1 win in the series.

The 76ers young stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid had another stellar game and showed that they are the rising force and probably a duo that will mark the NBA in the years to come. Simmons had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists while Embiid finished the game with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

“I kind of promised the city this,” – said 76ers’ center Joel Embiid.

“We feel like we’re unstoppable and we can get whatever we want to. That’s the goal and we’re going to do what it takes to get there.” – he added.

The success of the Philadelphia 76ers is even bigger when you realize that they ended the last season with 28-54 record. This will be their first Eastern Conference Semi-Finals since 2012.

“We’ve changed our goals like four times,” – said JJ Redick. “First, it was make the playoffs, then win 50 games, then getting home court, then getting the No. 3 seed.”

Now the Philadelphia 76ers are waiting to see who will get the better end of the series between Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. One thing is for sure, neither of them will have an easy task against this rising Philadelphia team.

“That is a monumental effort, given where we were and where we are,” – said 76ers’ head coach Brett Brown in the locker room after Game 5. “To win a round in the playoffs is not to be denied. That’s special, especially given where we have come from. That’s the first thing. And the second thing, and I have said this to you — I believe it, you believe it — we have so much more to grow and give.”

The post Philadelphia “Trusts the Process” as 76ers Advance to Eastern Conference Semi-Finals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite being one of Miami Heat’s key players during the regular season, Hassan Whiteside saw his minutes going down in the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 28-year-old center played 13.5 minutes on average in the first three games of the series. After the Heat suffered a 128-108 defeat at home in Game 3, Whiteside said he wants “to get more minutes” while underlining that he still believes the decision-making of coach Erik Spoelstra.

“I want to get more rebounds out there. I want to get more minutes out there. I’m just going to keep trusting coach’s decision-making,” – said Whiteside. “Even with the fouls, I still could have been out there. I wouldn’t have fouled out. I am going to keep trusting coach’s decision-making.“

Hassan Whiteside averaged 14 points and 11.4 rebounds during the regular season, but those numbers dropped to 3.7 points and four rebounds in the playoffs. The player thinks that the dip in the production is caused by Heat’s offensive approach.

“It’s just different, man. I feel like our offense is a lot different. I’m not as involved in as many dribble handoffs as I was and post-ups as I was in the regular season,” – he added. “That’s what coach [Spoelstra] wants. Coach wants me to just be in the corner and set picks. That’s what he wants. I’ve just got to trust it.“

One of the reasons for Whiteside’s diminished role in the first two games was 76ers decision to play a smaller lineup due to the absence of Joel Embiid. In the Game 3, however, Whiteside still didn’t get more playing time even with Embiid’s return, since he picked up two early fouls and continued to struggle with foul trouble throughout the game.

Erik Spoelstra took the part of the blame for Whiteside’s poor production while talking to reporters after Thursday’s loss.

“He might not necessarily put up the numbers, but it’s part of my job to figure it out and figure out how he can get to his strengths and be an impact player for us,” – said Spoelstra. “It starts with the defense, the rebounding. He has a lot of responsibilities for us offensively. I’ll spend some time working that out in the next day in a half.“

The post Heat’s Hassan Whiteside Wants “To Get More Minutes” In the Series versus the 76ers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Philadelphia 76ers announced that their All-Star center Joel Embiid is doubtful for the Game 3 clash against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The first round series between 76ers and Heat is tied 1-1 with Embiid missing both games.

Medical Update:

Joel Embiid – (orbital bone fracture, left eye) is doubtful for tomorrow night’s game at Miami.

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 18, 2018

Joel Embiid has been out since March 28, when he suffered a broken orbital bone and a concussion in the game against the Knicks. The 24-year-old participated in 76ers practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. The team declined to give the definitive timetable for his return.

Philadelphia 76ers went on 9-0 run following Embiid’s injury, before suffering a 113-103 defeat at home in Game 2 against the Miami Heat. 76ers coach Brett Brown said earlier in the week that the team is focused on the player’s health and won’t rush him back to the court even if they fall back behind in the series.

“It’s about what’s best for Joel’s health,” – said Brown.

Brown also added that Embiid will not be 100 percent ready even when he returns.

“Whenever the time comes when he does play, I think [his conditioning will improve] in a more rapid way. His body looks great,” – he said. “If you just look at him physically, I think he looks fantastic. I feel like it will kick in quicker than most.“

After missing his rookie season with a foot injury, and playing only 31 games in his second season, Joel Embiid established himself as an NBA All-Star in 2017-18. He played in 63 games of the regular season, averaging 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per game.

The post 76ers Joel Embiid Doubtful For Game 3 against the Heat appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA Playoffs 2018 are finally here. Regular season wrapped up on Wednesday and now we know who made it to the postseason, and who will spend their time planning vacations.

We decided to use this small window between the end of the regular season and start of the first round of the playoffs on April 14th to think hard about everything we have seen in the past 82 games and enter the “predictions business.” We made our picks for the winners of all the NBA Playoffs 2018 first-round series and we shall stick with them until the very end. This time we are predicting Eastern Conference. (You can check out our Western Conference predictions here.)

Although Eastern Conference is often considered weak and not quite interesting as the West, this year’s first round of the playoffs might be something else. Due to various injuries and other factors, we have some big matchups in the first round that no one expected before the season started. So who will make it out?

(1) Toronto Raptors vs. (8) Washington Wizards

Prediction:
Toronto Raptors win 4-1

Why:
It’s fairly simple. Toronto Raptors entered the NBA Playoffs 2018 with a second-best record in the league, have a great coach in Dwane Casey, and have an awesome depth on the roster. Washington Wizards, on the other hands, entered this season with great expectations but eventually had a disappointing season so far. That won’t change against the Raptors, especially since we don’t even know how healthy John Wall is. Presume some games will be close, but Raptors will own this series.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks

Prediction:
Milwaukee Bucks win 3-4

Why:
This one was really tough. While Boston Celtics’ roster is destroyed by injuries, Brad Stevens has shown us that he can keep winning just with a couple of promising youngsters and handful of veterans. But, Milwaukee Bucks have too much talent to throw away this opportunity. It will be a close series, but Giannis Antetokounmpo will take over the last game and will the Buck into the second round.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Miami Heat

Prediction:
Philadelphia 76ers win 4-2

Why:
Miami Heat will give Philadelphia 76ers run for their money that’s for sure. There will be multiple games that will come down to last possession, where Miami Heat will see the opportunity to use their experience and steal a game they usually wouldn’t win. But the young 76ers team will never lose control over the series and won’t allow an elimination game.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Indiana Pacers

Prediction:
Cleveland Cavaliers win 4-0

Why:
LeBron James, that’s why. Don’t get us wrong, we respect what Indiana Pacers and Victor Oladipo did this season. After Paul George left Indiana, Oladipo became a new hero and brought hope to a desperate team. But, despite their problems, Cleveland Cavaliers will still have the best player on the planet who will create havoc even with an average supporting cast.

The post Opinion: NBA Playoffs 2018 First Round Predictions – Eastern Conference appeared first on SportzBonanza.