Neither the Boston Celtics nor the New York Knicks lead the Atlantic Division at the moment. In fact, a team that lacks a major star is leading that division.

The Philadelphia 76ers have surprised many critics with their strong play so far in the season, despite the lack of big names on the roster. Andre Iguodala, for all his all-star like numbers, hasn’t even called up to the All-Star Game despite his eight seasons in Philly. Yet he plays like one, and so far, Doug Collins’ crew has not disappointed. The knock on this team, however, was that most of their wins came against sub-.500 teams, which is uncharacteristic for an overnight contender like the 76ers. Just ask the Bulls, the Thunder, or their opponents this Saturday, the Miami Heat.

The Heat have been on fire early on, boosted by an early unbeaten streak. They have also proven that they can win even without one or two of their main stars (see Chris Bosh’s triple-OT effort against the Hawks in early January). They even have a winning record when Dwyane Wade is out with an injury. Miami’s impressive and gritty record is worthy of contender status in the East, having earned wins over the Mavericks, the Lakers, the Celtics, and the Bulls. But lately the team has been coming out with a clean bill of health, which is important in the long run heading towards the homestretch.

This is the second of four meetings between the Heat and 76ers, a rematch of last year’s first-round series won by Miami in five games. In their first meeting at American Airlines Arena on January 22 (Manila time), the Heat walloped the 76ers 113-92, with LeBron James scoring 28 points, and Chris Bosh with 30. The Heat were without Wade during that game. Lou Williams led the 76ers off the bench with 22.

The rematch will be at the Wells Fargo Center, where the 76ers have been almost unbeatable. However, they face a bigger obstacle in Miami, whose roster was stocked with stars and scrappy role players. Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra, a defensive-minded coach, has done a great job transforming a good team into a potentially great one, with championships knocking on the doorstep.

Doug Collins has faced a similar scenario before in his Chicago and Detroit stints, where a decent first full season turned into a hot start that translated into a better finish in Year 2. His second year with Philly, provided their excellent play remains consistent, hopes to bring the same pattern. Like Spoelstra, he excelled in a defense-first approach, something that has paid off amongst his players. He may never have a player in the mold of Michael Jordan or Grant Hill, but his team is playing well nevertheless. Their leading scorer is Williams, who comes off the bench, while Iguodala, Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes also provides the necessary intangibles for the team.

The 76ers have started well early on. However, any notion of a hot start when in fact they’re playing with an easier early schedule will go for naught if they failed to pick up wins against stronger competition like the Heat. For the 76ers to have a breakout season, they need to cool down the Heat, or else, they’ll be mentioned only as fringe contenders.

Catch two division leaders in action as the Atlantic-leading Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Southeast-leading Miami Heat this Saturday at 8:00 am only on BTV.