Can the Miami Heat take advantage of their remaining schedule?
The Miami Heat need to start capitalizing on their remaining schedule.
Miami Heat Basketball finally returns tomorrow night, after having a week off thanks to the NBA All-Star break.
The men of South Florida will take on the New Orleans Pelicans on the road at 8 PM ET, marking the second of a two-game series. The Heat fell short 109-94 on December 23, missing both Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow. So, it’s time for payback.
Night one of a back-to-back (Miami will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening), the team should be refreshed and ready to get back to work. Currently sitting at eighth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-28, the Heat are looking to climb up the standings and secure a playoff spot.
Certainly easier said than done, but Miami does have one advantage: the remaining schedule.
The Heat have just 24 contests left in their regular season, 15 of which will be played in the AmericanAirlines Arena. This is especially important to note in comparison to other teams fighting for contention in the East, who will be spending more time on the road.
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While the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers (who are facing off against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night) have 13 home games of their own remaining, the Indiana Pacers (currently fifth) have 10, as do the ninth ranked Detroit Pistons.
Of course, in order to capitalize on the schedule, Miami needs to start playing better at home. And the guys know it, too.
"“We need to take care of business here at home, especially because we have a lot of home games in March,” co-captain Goran Dragic said. “I think we have a good advantage on those teams.”"
The Heat are just 14-12 in the AAA this season, holding the worst home record of the top nine Eastern’s teams.
However, now with Dwyane Wade‘s return, there’s a very good chance this will all change soon. The veteran has already re-energized not just the group but the fans as well, reigniting the flame that was burning low with each Miami loss. What the superstar may not be able to bring to the boxscore anymore, is certainly made up for in leadership, with Wade looking to act as a mentor for guys like Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson.
And if anyone knows how to win at home, it’s the three-time champion. After all, the AAA is his house.
Although 2017-18 has been rocky for the Heat, the team is determined not to have history repeat itself.
"“We were in this kind of position last year,” said Dragic. “It’s not fun when you win the last game and then you’re waiting on somebody else to see if you’re going to make the playoffs or not.”"
Next: The Miami Heat's three best lineups of the 2017-18 season
The Miami Heat’s playoff push is officially underway.