3 observations after Sixers fall to their 7th consecutive loss  – NBC Sports Philadelphia

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With eight regular-season games remaining, the Sixers’ losing streak sits at seven.

Their latest loss came Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center against the Heat, who earned a 118-95 victory.

Jared Butler posted 19 points and 10 assists for the 23-51 Sixers.

All-Star Heat guard Tyler Herro had 30 points and seven assists for the Heat, who moved to 33-41.

The Sixers had eight players out with injuries. Andre Drummond (left toe sprain) will miss at least the next five games and be re-evaluated in approximately one week, according to a team official. 

The Sixers will play the Raptors on Sunday night in Philadelphia. Here are observations on their defeat to the Heat: 

An even 50 lineups 

The Sixers added yet another unit to their ever-growing tally of starting lineups. They’re up to 50 after Butler, Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona opened Saturday’s game. 

A Butler-to-Bona alley-oop got the Sixers off to a bright start. Butler then drilled a jumper to give the Sixers a 5-0 lead. 

Miami soon surged in front. Both the Sixers and Heat had identical first quarters shooting-wise — 55 percent from the field, 54.5 percent from three-point range — but the Heat drew more free throws. 

Miami also did far greater damage on the offensive glass, scoring the night’s first 16 second-chance points. The Sixers entered Saturday ranked 24th in offensive rebounding rate and 30th rebounding rate, per Cleaning the Glass. They’re very familiar with the challenges of being undersized and undermanned. 

Grimes finally held under 20  

The Sixers mitigated some of their rebounding struggles with success in transition. 

At halftime, they held an 18-6 advantage in fast-break points. Ricky Council IV (13 points, six rebounds, four assists) had several explosive, effective drives before the Heat’s defense could set up. 

Bona (16 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks) was also eager to both start and join fast breaks. He tried to swat just about every Miami shot inside, ran the floor hard, and finished well around the rim. 

The Sixers still trailed by nine…

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Publish date : 2025-03-29 21:40:00

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