Will the Miami Heat Make the Playoffs?
The Miami Heat are locked into the NBA’s play-in tournament for the third straight season. Just a short time ago the Heat were at rock bottom, losing ten straight, leading many fans to throw around the idea of “tanking”. But this is the Miami Heat we are talking about, and that’s simply not a reality. This season will be Miami’s first losing season in six years, yet they still have the capability to make the playoffs, the question is will they?
The Heat ripped off six straight dominating wins before their heartbreaking loss to the Grizzlies Thursday night, but they seem to have finally caught their stride. The rotation seems solidified, they have gotten the little things under control and have seen great improvement from their young stars.
Miami finds themselves as the East’s 9 seed which would mean they’d have to win 2 straight games to make the playoffs. But if they can chase down the Hawks (1.5 game lead), or the Magic (2.5 game lead) they would have two chances to find their way into a matchup with either Boston or Cleveland.
With just five games left on the schedule, the Miami Heat still have a narrow window to climb out of the 9th seed and secure a more favorable spot in the play-in tournament. Their path won’t be easy, but the opportunity is there.
Miami’s Remaining Schedule:
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vs. Bucks (Apr 5)
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vs. 76ers (Apr 7)
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at Bulls (Apr 9)
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at Pelicans (Apr 11)
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vs. Wizards (Apr 13)
While Miami’s final stretch includes tough matchups against Milwaukee and Chicago, both games are winnable especially if Milwaukee is without Damian Lillard. The most critical game may come in Chicago, where a win could help bury the Bulls’ fading hopes while pushing the Heat closer to the 8th seed. Closing the season at home against the lowly Wizards could offer a much-needed tune-up or momentum-builder entering the play-in.
The Teams They’re Chasing:
Orlando Magic (7 seed, 2.5 games ahead of Miami):
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vs. Hawks (Apr 8)
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vs. Celtics (Apr 9)
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at Pacers (Apr 11)
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at Hawks (Apr 13)
Orlando’s schedule is no cakewalk. They face three playoff teams and finish with a home-and-home of sorts against the Hawks. If the young Magic stumble, the door opens for both Miami and Atlanta to make a move.
Atlanta Hawks (8 seed, 1.5 games ahead of Miami):
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vs. Knicks (Apr 5)
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vs. Jazz (Apr 6)
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at Magic (Apr 8)
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at Nets (Apr 10)
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at 76ers (Apr 11)
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vs. Magic (Apr 13)
The Hawks are the most volatile wild card in the mix. A six-game closing slate, including two games against Orlando and a back-to-back this weekend, gives them chances to both rise or fall quickly. Miami will need help from New York and Philadelphia to keep Atlanta within reach. If Orlando can sweep the Hawks Miami will be bound to pass them in the standings.
Chicago Bulls (current 10 seed):
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vs. Blazers (Apr 4)
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at Hornets (Apr 6)
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at Cavaliers (Apr 8)
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vs. Heat (Apr 9)
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vs. Wizards (Apr 11)
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at 76ers (Apr 13)
The Bulls still have a heartbeat, but a Heat victory in Chicago would all but end their chances of leaping Miami. The Bulls have shown fight but are also prone to collapse late in games. Their inconsistency might be Miami’s biggest ally.
The Heat should get some help down the stretch as Andrew Wiggins will get healthy for the last few games and ultimately for the play-in tournament.
The Heat have the best coach and arguably the best roster in this bunch. If they can secure the 7-8 matchup, it’s hard to imagine them losing two in a row. If Miami can handle business down the stretch and get a little help from the teams above, they could avoid the dreaded 9-10 spot altogether. It won’t be easy—but then again, nothing about this season has been. With Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro clicking, and the supporting cast stepping up, Miami might be hitting their stride at just the right time. The playoffs aren’t promised, but they’re well within reach. One thing is for sure: the Heat won’t go down quietly.