The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a milestone defeat to the Miami Heat on March 13. Not only did the Sixers become the first team to lose to the Heat three times in Miami’s long winning streak, it was also the Heat’s 20’th straight win overall. Only four other teams have ever had such a long run, with the 1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers’ 33-game streak towering over them all for now.
If the Heat were to actually tie that record-setting streak, it would come against none other than the Sixers. Philadelphia’s last game of the season with Miami is set for April 6, although the Heat have to play 12 more games before then.
Now that the Heat have reached the 20-game winning streak milestone, it has become slightly less ludicrous to suggest they could go up to 33. On the off chance they do, the Sixers would then become part of NBA history in one way or another.
Philadelphia would either be the victim of a record-tying Miami victory, or shock the world with an upset to preserve Los Angeles's record. The Sixers have gradually gotten closer to beating the Heat in their three games this season, so perhaps getting over the hump in their last chance would be possible.
It would still be more possible than the Heat reaching a 32-game winning streak, at least for the moment. Their short-term schedule looks favorable, as they face the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors next before visiting the Boston Celtics on March 18. Yet if the Heat get through that test, they only have to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Bobcats, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Hornets to push their streak up to 29.
Game No. 30 would be Miami’s toughest test, as it visits the Western Conference leading San Antonio Spurs on March 31. But if the Heat survive that, they just have to beat the New York Knicks at home and then beat the Bobcats again, before they can tie the record against the Sixers in Miami.
The Sixers themselves have nothing left to play for, as this season will go down in infamy in Philadelphia. But with 12 more wins by the Heat, these Sixers would be forever remembered in NBA history for whatever they do in Miami on April 6.
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