Miami Heat’s Postseason Hinges on Game vs. Detroit
By David Ramil
The Miami Heat (34-41) can keep their playoff hopes alive with a win against the Pistons (29-47) on Saturday. But with injuries continuing to mount, is that goal even attainable?
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Game will be played at The Palace at Auburn Hills
TV Info: FoxSports
Radio: 104.3 The Ticket
Just a week ago, Dwyane Wade had one of his finest performances of the season, a 40-point outing in a victory over Detroit. When the Heat play the Pistons on Saturday night, Wade might not even be in the lineup.
Following what looked like a potentially devastating injury on Thursday, Wade’s status is in question for tonight’s game. But that’s been the case all season for Miami, dealing with one injured player after another. With seven games left in the regular season, however, the possibility of making the playoffs seems more unlikely than ever.
Saturday’s game versus Detroit is the first of a back-to-back set versus other playoff hopefuls; the Heat play the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. And victories have been hard to come by for Miami recently, even with Wade playing at a high level. Miami was barely able to squeak by Detroit in a 109-102 win where Wade and Udonis Haslem (also doubtful for tonight’s game) had vintage performances.
The good news for the Heat is that the Pistons have had troubles of their own, particularly in back-to-back sets. Detroit played the Chicago Bulls on Friday (an 88-82 loss) and are just 4-16 in the second game of back-to-backs.
Miami will also rely heavily on Hassan Whiteside, who sat out last Sunday’s win over Detroit as he recovered from a lacerated hand. The Pistons feasted inside with Andre Drummond scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds; Whiteside will surely prevent that type of production on Saturday. But Detroit’s young center has been one of the few bright spots for the Motor City this season: Drummond is the first player in team history to have at least 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 100 blocks in back-to-back seasons.
The matchup with Whiteside is key, and one that could entertain NBA fans for years. While the center position has evolved in recent years, these two players are throwbacks to a bygone era.
That’s a topic for another day and Miami’s more pressing concern is simply making it through tonight’s game without another devastating injury.
Make sure to check back with All U Can Heat throughout the day for the latest updates on Wade’s status.