How Far Can Miami Heat Jump In Standings Before Playoffs?
Seeding has never been more important than it is now in the NBA.
The Miami Heat have rebounded from their seven-game skid with back-to-back victories. They seventh in the Eastern Conference, meaning they would not have a guaranteed playoff spot if the regular season ended today.
After finishing as the eighth seed last season, they lost the opener of the Play-In Tournament against the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat stayed alive by defeating the Chicago Bulls in an elimination game before going on their run to the NBA Finals.
Can the Heat avoid another appearance in the Play-In Tournament this or will they have to sweat it out once again?
They have a tougher February schedule than most teams, with seven of the 11 games on the road. It is the 11th-hardest schedule in the league for the month. An above .500 mark in February could keep them in good shape. I
The Boston Celtics have a firm grip on the top seed in the East. The Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers also have their sights on a top-four seed. The Celtics and Cavs have some of the easiest remaining schedules while the Knicks have an average schedule moving forward.
Joel Embiid is sidelined for the foreseeable future, meaning the fifth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers may fall in the standings. This is the highest Miami could realistically climb. The Heat trail the 76ers by five games, but could capitalize with three head-to-head games remaining.
The Heat are also looking up at the Indiana Pacers, who sit just half a game ahead. The Pacers have lost three straight, including eight of 12. With the Heat snapping out of their recent struggles, it could make an interesting race.
The Heat could legitimately finish high as fifth but here's the worst-case scenario for Miami. The Orlando Magic have the same record but the teams meet Tuesday. The Magic also have the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA.
The Heat should be able to stay clear of the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls and No. 10 Atlanta Hawks. Both teams have some of the more difficult schedules remaining and are rumored to be selling some of their assets before the trade deadline.
The Heat are likely looking at the No. 5 seed at best. The worst is obviously the Play-In Tournament. Expect them to perform better down the stretch because they are healthy with a solidified rotation. The recent success should translate into a push toward a top-six spot.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
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