Welcome to the Miami Heat Tip Off: a weekly AllUCanHeat column, breaking down previews and challenges ahead.
The 30-28 Miami Heat are still enjoying some time off, thanks to a much-needed All-Star break. However, the team gets back to work this weekend, hoping to climb up the Eastern Conference rankings.
Upcoming Games
Friday, February 23 versus the New Orleans Pelicans (Away)
Saturday, February 24 versus the Memphis Grizzlies (Home)
We need to acknowledge that this Heat team is in trouble and are in dire need of a shake up, especially in the rotation. On paper, the starting lineup looks solid and is what it should be moving forward. The options off the bench might need the most attention.
Dwyane Wade needs to automatically be the first option off the bench. That’s a given. Despite his recent struggle with turnovers, he honestly is the best suitor to lead the second unit and demands too much respect and attention from opposing teams defensively.
Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside need more minutes together, but can’t be paired up in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. It’s just a bad decision, especially in defensive transition.
Miami needs to consistently rely and increase their shooters minutes. Even if they are on a cold streak, the Heat need more of Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson in there. At the moment, they are Miami’s best advantage from behind the arc.
This Week’s Preview
The Heat’s last meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans, didn’t end up in their favor. Back in December, Miami stumbled 109-94 in a tight contest that once again saw their third quarter troubles haunt them. They were held to just 16 points in the quarter that night.
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This time around, there will be one major difference: no DeMarcus Cousins. Miami needs to capitalize on that. Although New Orleans still will not be thin in the paint (as Anthony Davis is an All-Star after all), Miami needs to utilize that Wade to Adebayo/Whiteside combo, to really challenge Davis and hopefully open up shooters. They’re a different team in 2018 and even though they have struggled recently, this break will hopefully be what the Heat need to get back on track.
Friday’s matchup will be the last of the season between these two teams, so Miami needs to make the most of it.
Saturday presents another challenge, but a favorable one at that, as Miami travels back home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are riding a seven-game losing streak, and will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers before meeting up with Miami. Both teams will be fatigued playing back to back games this weekend.
Their last contest (December 11) was much nicer than the Pelicans one. They dominated the Grizzlies for three quarters, and ended the game with a 37-point fourth quarter. A great showing especially by Goran Dragic, who led the night with 19 points.
The Grizzlies are currently 18-38 and are slipping offensively. Let’s hope Miami can capitalize on that, and escape the weekend with a 2-0 record.
This Week’s Challenges
Can Wade fix his turnovers situation?
Can Ellington keep his hot hand after the 3-point contest this weekend?
Can Adebayo and Whiteside co-exist?
Next: Miami Heat: The Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside show
Here’s to a fresh, relaxed week, with a hopefully victorious outcome.