MIAMI - After they lost to the Miami Heat on Friday night in Philadelphia, the 76ers got an opportunity to avenge that setback two days later in South Florida.
It didn't happen.
This time, the Heat disposed of the undermanned yet pesky Sixers, 103-98, at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Just like in Friday's 112-102 setback, the Sixers were without Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas, and Kendall Marshall because of injuries and illness. Unlike that game, the team was competitive from the opening tip. The teams played through 12 lead changes and 12 ties.
But unfortunately for the Sixers, the end result was the same as it has been for a while.