Miami Heat: Christmas Day Game Absence Borders Disrespect
Alas, the 11th-seeded team last season, the New York Knicks, get a spot as they play the Philadelphia 76ers (who lost to Miami in the second round). Is the NBA really this greedy to the point where they will throw the mediocre Knicks on ABC or TNT for the Madison Square Garden revenue?
That’s, not to mention, that there’s absolutely no reason to believe that this is good for basketball fans—because the Knicks are taking on the 76ers. You know, the teams where their stars have played some of the most insufferable brands of basketball to watch in the league.
It’s, honestly, just embarrassing.
Even if you want Joel Embiid and James Harden on Christmas Day, why not pair them up in a faceoff against Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo? That’s another second-round rematch when you consider the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks contest.
There is also this. Who doesn’t want to see P.J. Tucker face Miami this season as a 76er?
If this was truly about star power, Jimmy has to be there. He was, by far, the best player in the playoffs and it makes more sense matchup-wise.