Sixers’ skid hits 12 as season of disappointment rolls toward lottery

The 76ers endured another defeat on Monday night, falling to the Heat 117-105 and extending their losing streak to 12 games. The Sixers (23-56) have now finished winless throughout March Madness.

Lonnie Walker and Quentin Grimes led Philadelphia’s scoring efforts, each contributing 29 points. Despite their performances, the Sixers’ struggles persisted, particularly with shooting. Duncan Robinson paced Miami with 21 points off the bench, shooting 7-for-8, while Tyler Herro added 20 points. Rookie center Kel’el Ware posted a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double.

Philadelphia’s injury woes continue, with Justin Edwards sidelined due to a rib contusion and Guerschon Yabusele absent for personal reasons. Miami was also missing key players, including Bam Adebayo, who sat out with back spasms.

In a rare lineup change, Marcus Bagley made his first career start, contributing six points, six rebounds, one block, and one steal in 23 minutes. This marked the 53rd different starting lineup for the Sixers this season, setting a franchise record for most different starting units in a single campaign. The starting five featured Jared Butler, Grimes, Walker, Bagley, and Adem Bona.

Bagley made an immediate impact, securing a fast-break layup off a steal to give the Sixers an early 4-0 lead. However, despite strong play from Bagley and a solid performance by Bona, who registered 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, Philadelphia’s shooting woes continued. The Sixers struggled with three-point shooting, hitting just 2 of their first 18 attempts. Entering the game, they ranked 26th in the league in three-point percentage (34.3%).

Walker, who had 18 points in a loss to Minnesota on Saturday, was the lone Sixer who found consistent success beyond the arc, hitting 3 of 7 attempts in the first half. His confidence remained high, and he was the only player keeping the offense afloat in the first two quarters.

Despite a third-quarter surge led by Grimes, who drained four three-pointers to help erase a 14-point deficit, the Sixers couldn’t capitalize. Grimes’s momentum slowed, and missed opportunities in the final minutes, including three missed free throws by Grimes with 2:04 left, allowed the Heat to pull away.

As the season nears its end, the Sixers are focused on their upcoming matchup with the Wizards (17-61) on Wednesday, their final road game of the season. Despite their continued struggles, the Sixers are now nearly locked into one of the top-five NBA draft lottery odds, with the fifth-best odds currently at 23-56.

Draft Lottery Odds (Top-5)

• Fourth: New Orleans Pelicans (21-57)
• Fifth: Philadelphia 76ers (23-56)
• Sixth: Brooklyn Nets (25-53)