Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler had very different nights when the Philadelphia 76ers met the Miami Heat. The former is looking like a shadow of the player we know. Have constant injuries finally taken a toll on him or is it just a matter of finding his rhythm?

The 76ers have to be worried though. The loss to the Heat means that they are now 2-11 to start the season and firmly at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. That is awful from a team that was considered a contender coming into the 24-25 campaign.

One of the major reasons behind that has been the constant problems surrounding Embiid. He continues to struggle with fitness, issues off the court and now, a lack of form.

Butler has not been at his glittering best either but he did remind the fans of what he is capable of. Returning from an injury, he put up 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 34 minutes against the Sixers. He was incredibly efficient as well, shooting 8-12 from the field and making his one three-point attempt.

While Butler has not had any lack of doubters, Embiid clearly remains a fan. Speaking after the game, he said about his former 76ers teammate: “Jimmy does everything. Scoring, passing the ball, commanding while being on the floor. Both sides of the floor, one of the best players in the league. Probably top five. Probably the best actually. Best player in the league.”

That is high praise coming from someone who many consider to be the best player in the league. It remains to be seen if Butler can continue to consistently perform like this.

He has had a few great performances already this season but at the same time, there have been plenty of underwhelming ones as well.

The display against the 76ers should give him a ton of confidence though and hopefully, he can kick on from her and go on a good run. Despite their shaky start to the season, the Heat are still 6th in the East.