Staff predictions

Christy Cabrera Chirinos Staff writer Prediction: Heat in 7 Comment: The Sixers enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the NBA, winning 16 straight, but the Heat have more than held their own against them, splitting the season series in four incredibly tight games. Win streaks are made to be broken, and if Joel Embiid is out longer than expected, that’s a huge help for Miami. And the more he plays, well, that should inspire Hassan Whiteside to turn things up. Dave Hyde Sports columnist Prediction: 76ers in 7 Comment: Philadelphia has two of the top 25 players in the league in Ben Simmons and Embiid (assuming he plays at some point). The Heat might have one player, Goran Dragic, in the top 50. Talent always wins out in this league. Kathy Laughlin Sports Editor Prediction: 76ers in 6 Comment: Normally, the Heat’s ability to rise to the occasion could carry them past a favored opponent like the 76ers. But Philly is just too hot, with their 16-game winning streak, regardless of whether Embiid plays in this series. Other than Wayne Ellington’s jaw-dropping 3-point performance on Wednesday, the Heat have been too uneven. They will break the 76ers’ streak, but they won’t be able to get past a team in that kind of groove. Keven Lerner Online Sports Editor Prediction: 76ers in 7 Comment: The 76ers, who clinched their first playoff berth since 2012, are the hottest team in the NBA heading into the postseason. But they will certainly need their All-Star center Embiid, who hasn’t played since March 28 when he suffered a broken bone around his left eye in a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz. The 7-footer had surgery on March 31. When he returns (with a mask), you can bet he’ll be ready to continue his battle with Whiteside. Shandel Richardson Staff writer Prediction: Heat in 6 Comment: The Sixers haven’t lost in more than a month and appear to be the future of the Eastern Conference. They will have to wait another year because the Heat’s playoff experience will prevail in this series. Ira Winderman Heat writer Prediction: 76ers in 7 Comment: The Heat can’t win on the road, and rarely lose at home. The 76ers have four of the seven games on their home court. Do the math. And don’t overstate the 16-game winning streak Philadelphia carries in, as 13 of those wins have come against non-playoff teams. More significant will be the status of Embiid.