Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers has backed DeAndre Jordan ahead of Game 2 of their second round play-off series against Miami Heat.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday and the Sixers can be backed at 13/4 to win in the Money Line, while the Heat are 10/11 to win with a -8.0 handicap in the Point Spread.
Miami won the series opener 106-92 and Jordan was handed a starting spot in the absence of injured star Joel Embiid.
Embiid missed the first game due to a right orbital fracture and concussion, while he had also been playing through the pain of a torn ligament in his right thumb prior to those injuries.
The MVP candidate will sit out Game 2, but could return for the third meeting when the teams clash in Philadelphia for the first time.
Jordan struggled to make an impact in the series opener and was limited to just 17 minutes, managing just four points, two rebounds and two blocks - while committing two turnovers and two fouls.
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There have been calls for Rivers to replace Jordan with Charles Bassey or opt for a more drastic change and adopt a small-ball line-up, but the Sixers coach says he intends to stick with Jordan at center for Game 2 in Miami.
"We like DJ. We're gonna keep starting him whether you (the media) like it or not," said Rivers, via Fansided.
Jordan only joined the Sixers in March after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. The 33-year-old played in 16 regular season games for Philly, with one start, and averaged 4.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per-game.
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