Preview: Heat at 76ers Set for Pivotal Eastern Conference Clash PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A critical late-season matchup with playoff positioning implications is set for Thursday when the Miami Heat visit the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Both teams enter the contest with nearly identical records. The Heat (31-27) sit just a half-game behind the 76ers (31-26) in the Eastern Conference standings, adding significant weight to the head-to-head result. Miami arrives riding a two-game winning streak, including a 136-120 rout of Memphis on Saturday. Forward Andrew Wiggins has been a key catalyst, averaging 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds over his last 10 games. He is coming off a 28-point, 7-rebound performance against the Grizzlies. The Heat have won four of their last six, showcasing a high-powered offense that has scored 128 points or more in three of those victories. Philadelphia, however, presents a formidable challenge on its home floor. The 76ers are looking to build momentum after a dominant 135-108 road win in Minnesota on Sunday, which snapped a four-game losing skid. The team’s fortunes often hinge on the play of guard Tyrese Maxey, who erupted for 39 points and 8 assists in that victory. Maxey has been on a scoring tear, averaging 28.4 points over his last 10 outings. The season’s only prior meeting went to Miami, a 127-117 victory in Philadelphia on Nov. 23, 2025. The Heat will aim for a regular-season sweep, while the 76ers seek to defend their home court and create separation in the standings. For Miami, the upcoming schedule offers a chance to climb, with seven of their next 10 games at home after Thursday. Philadelphia faces a more immediate gauntlet, with a road date against the Boston Celtics looming on Sunday to begin a challenging stretch. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Thursday. The game will be televised locally on Bally Sports Sun and NBC Sports Philadelphia.