Some of the fun was taken out of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat matchup on Christmas Day when Sixers star Joel Embiid was ruled out due to an ankle sprain.
Now, the Heat will be down several key pieces as well.
Jimmy Butler has been ruled out for the contest for the Heat due to a calf issue. Haywood Highsmith and former Sixers guard Josh Richardson have also been ruled out. Highsmith has a head cold while Richardson is dealing with back spasms.
Those three will join Embiid on the sidelines and the matchup’s focus turns to Tyrese Maxey and Tyler Herro.
#PHIvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (calf), Haywood Highsmith (head cold) and Josh Richardson (low back discomfort) have all been ruled out of today’s game vs the Sixers.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 25, 2023
The Sixers and the Heat must look to others to step up with their key pieces sidelined. Miami has been able to rely on Herro, Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson in big situations while Maxey has been fantastic. It will be an interesting night when the ball tips off at 8 p.m. EST from the Kaseya Center.
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