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2018 NBA Playoffs: Ranking the first-round matchups

By FanSided User

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 11: James Harden
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 11: James Harden /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 6: Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 6: Ben Simmons /

 2. Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Season Series: 2-2

The Philadelphia 76ers have been absolutely on fire down the stretch, winning 16 games in a row. They will be matched up with an experienced, disciplined and well-coached Miami Heat team that is not going to give up anything easy. This series will be the first time we see rookie Ben Simmons in a situation where teams can gameplan and specifically target his lack of shooting.

How he reacts to these decisions will be play a huge role in deciding if Philly can make a run. Joel Embiid will likely miss the early portion of this series but, if he returns and is healthy, this series could be the Sixers’ warning shot to the rest of the league.

Prediction: Sixers in 6