A look at the biggest first-round upsets in NBA playoffs history
By Simon Smith
Heat Outlook
As of March 27, the Heat are placed eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 35-39 record. Just half a game clear of the ninth placed Chicago Bulls, it’s going to be a race to the wire to secure the final playoff spot on offer. Unfortunately, the Heat have struggled mightily since guard Dion Waiters was injured in a recent home win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat have lost three of their last four games without Waiters, who has been ruled out indefinitely.
Adding salt to the wounds is the latest revelation that starting point guard Goran Dragic is currently suffering a nagging foot injury. The combination of his injury and the absence of Waiters has had a dramatic effect on Dragic’s form. Since Waiters has been sidelined, Dragic has averaged just 14.8 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting from the field.
If the Heat manage to land the eighth spot, there is still no assurance they will face the Cavaliers in the first round. Currently just half a game ahead of the second-placed Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers’ recent form certainly doesn’t guarantee that they’ll sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat’s most recent matchup with the Celtics, a 112-108 loss on the road, was a solid sign considering the continued absence of Waiters.
And with six of their remaining nine games on the road, landing the eighth spot will be no easy task.
But at least the Heat will be happy in the knowledge that there has been a history of big-time first round upsets (including themselves), and that there is no such thing as a certainty come playoff time.