The Miami Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-94, at American Airlines Arena on Thursday night.

Both teams had playoff positioning to play for Thursday, but it was the host Heat (39-31) who looked to have the greater degree of motivation while jumping out to a 16-point first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 19 by halftime. Miami then ensured there'd be no third-quarter boost for the 76ers (47-23) by adding another three points to its advantage, leading to the easy win even with Philadelphia making the final score a bit closer during the final 12 minutes.

Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Shake Milton registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Danny Green supplied 11 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid, who'd been questionable with an illness, mustered just six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes.

Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and one block. Tyler Herro matched Adebayo's scoring and also compiled six rebounds and two assists. Goran Dragic delivered 15 points, six assists and three rebounds. Kendrick Nunn furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one block. Trevor Ariza went for 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.

The 76ers return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Heat hit the road and pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.