The 2017-18 NBA season starts in three days, and teams around the league decided to play their last preseason games of this year on Friday night. There were plenty of interesting matchups on Friday night, including the one between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. It was interesting to see the battle of two great, young centers - Joel Embiid and Hassan Whiteside. The Sixers are hoping Embiid can finally stay healthy next season and lead them to the playoffs. Miami on the other end will look for Whiteside to be their defensive anchor next season and a solid contributor on the offensive end.
76ers win easily
Philadelphia started off strong, as they outscored Miami 34-29 in the first quarter. They went on to score 35 points in the second quarter and held a 69-54 lead over the Heat. The Sixers led by as many as 22 points in the third quarter and heading into the final period of the game they were up 97-75. The 76ers outscored the Heat 22-20 in the fourth quarter and routinely celebrated a convincing, 119-95 victory.
Ben Simmons led the way for Philadelphia on Friday night with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. JJ Redick also added 19 points in 20 minutes of playing time, while Timothe Luwawu contributed with 17 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Dion Waiters was the leading scorer for Miami in this one with 13 points.
Waiters played just 16 minutes and he also added four rebounds. Bam Adebayo added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Heat, while James Johnson also finished with 13 points off the bench.
Milwaukee wins narrowly against Detroit
The Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Detroit Pistons for their last preseason game before the start of the regular season.
Detroit led at the end of the first quarter as they outscored the Bucks 24-17 in the period. Milwaukee answered with a 34-point second quarter as they managed to cut Detroit's lead down to two points at halftime (51-53). The Bucks played a great third quarter in this one, outscoring the Pistons 35-20 in the period. They held an 86-73 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Even though Detroit outscored them 30-21 in the final period, the Bucks managed to win this one narrowly 107-103.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee in this one with 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Tony Snell contributed with 16 points while Mirza Teletovic finished the game with 14 points off the Bucks bench.
Avery Bradley played a great game for the visitors from Detroit. Bradley finished with 26 points, three assists, and three steals. Andre Drummond contributed with 18 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists as well, but it wasn't enough.
