2018 NBA Playoffs Preview: Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat, SWOT Analysis & Prediction

Weaknesses

Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid, who's missing the first game of the series (and possibly won't play high minutes immediately after he returns), is their defensive anchor and go-to scorer. While Amir Johnson and Ersan Ilyasova have been adequate in his absence, they are clearly not better players than the likes of Whiteside and Olynyk (who's been pretty good in a Miami Heat jersey this season).

JJ Redick and Marco Belinelli are porous defenders, and will not be able to do much when switched onto Dragic during the series.

In addition, the likes of Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and Markelle Fultz have no playoff experience. This could count against them while playing seasoned veterans like Dwyane Wade on the Heat roster.

Miami Heat

Wayne Ellington has been a prolific 3-point shooter this season

The Heat does not have a pure scorer on their roster - someone who can get them buckets with regularity and alacrity in clutch situations when the game is on the line. Despite the excellent coaching of Erik Spoelstra and the sets he draws up, the lack of bite in this Miami Heat is clear when we look at their points per game ranking (23rd) and offensive efficiency ranking (20th).

Hassan Whiteside, while a beast on his night, has a tendency to chase blocks and give up the paint position for cutters to exploit. Goran Dragic's lack of foot speed makes him a porous defender who could be exploited on switches.