The Miami Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 125 - 98, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday. Miami was expected to win this game easily and they left no doubt with this lopsided result. It was a wire - to - wire win for the Heat, as they led by 10 after the first quarter and by 20 headed into halftime. The assist - to - turnover ratio was decisive, as Miami recorded eight more assists than Philly, while committing six less turnovers. The Heat also dominated the shooting, hitting 54 percent of their shots to the Sixers 44 percent. The Sixers (22 - 38) just learned that they lost Joel Embiid (knee) for the season and games like this could be a sign of things to come. Robert Covington led Philly in scoring, as he tallied 19 points and five rebounds. T.J. McConnell finished second among starters with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes came off the bench to provide 15 points and six rebounds. The Sixers will host the New York Knicks on Friday for their next game. The Heat (28 - 33) have been one of the best teams in the league across the last two months, as this win marks their 10th home win in 11 tries. Tyler Johnson led Miami in scoring, as he collected 24 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench. Wayne Ellington was second on the team, dropping 18 points of his own off the pine. Hassan Whiteside totaled 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic also scored 15 points a piece. Miami will play the Orlando Magic on the road for their next game on Friday.
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