Three Keys for Miami Heat Playoff Push
The Miami Heat remain just a half-game back of the Orlando Magic in the race for the seven seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Despite sitting out the trade deadline and not making any moves, Miami (34-29) has gone 5-2 since the All-Star break, and is in the midst of a three-game winning streak.
As they continue to run down Orlando (33-28), as well as the Philadelphia 76ers (34-28) in the six seed, there are three keys for the Heat to escape the play-in and secure one of the coveted playoff spots.
Schedule
The upcoming schedule for the Heat gives them the opportunity to quickly close the gap to the Magic. The hardest two games in their upcoming stretch are the next two, as they first travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets, and then play host to the Detroit Pistons. After that, they get the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks and Magic at home before going back to Charlotte.
If the Heat are able to go even 4-2 in that stretch, it will allow them to catch and pass the Magic. The game against the Magic is key, as the Heat have lost all four of the state matchups this season. Two of those games were close, but Orlando has proven it can win in close games all season.
Rebounding
In Miami’s five wins since the All-Star break, it has held an edge in the rebounding margin in four of them. It was out rebounded in both losses.
The Heat possess a strong pair of big men in Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. Both Adebayo and Ware average just under 10 rebounds per game, and can take over a game on the glass. Since the break, all but one game has seen one or both of these players go for double-digit rebounds. The one game where they did not was a loss to the Bucks.
If Miami wants to make a run into the postseason, it will be on the back of its defense. One part of defense that is vital is closing out possessions on the defensive glass, and when it does that, it finds wins.
Tyler Herro
With Norman Powell sidelined with a groin strain, the weight of the Miami offense has fallen on Tyler Herro, who missed extended time at the start of the season after having surgery on his foot and ankle.
Appearing in just 18 games this season, Herro has discussed how important it is for him to find his rhythm. His 3-point shot has struggled to fall and he has been forced to be more aggressive getting to the basket.
Now his 3-point shot not falling is relative to his typical play. He is shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc on a little more than six attempts per game.
“I trust Tyler and his work,” coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about Herro returning to form.
Once Powell is back and healthy, it will provide a real scoring punch for a Miami team which has found its identity on defense. A balanced scoring attack headed by Herro and Powell will be a scary sight for defenses come the playoffs.
Category: Basketball, Miami Heat, NBA, Orlando Magic
