Another edition of the Miami Heat Tip Off, a weekly AllUCanHeat column, is here.
The Miami Heat split the post All-Star break this past weekend with a 1-1 record, which saw two completely different style of games and rotations.
The first was a tight contest that went into overtime, with a defense that couldn’t defend New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis. One missed play and opportunity cost Miami the game with just seconds left.
The second was actually a much needed dominant win over the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. But that actually says more about how the Grizzlies have been playing recently, compared to the Heat’s victory performance.
Miami still has some very obvious missteps, with the most alarming ones involving the horrible rotation calls and confusing roles assigned to each individual player. It’s as if head coach Erik Spoelstra still doesn’t know who his final players are going to be, come crunch time. Who is he going to trust more that night or in that moment? He can’t second guess those decisions and let fate take its turn, but rather come up with a plan.
Upcoming Games
Tuesday, February 27 versus the Philadelphia 76ers (Home)
Thursday, March 1 versus the Los Angeles Lakers (Home)
Saturday March 3 versus the Detroit Pistons (Home)
However, they will get a chance at redemption this week, with a favorable four home game stand that starts on Tuesday; three games this week, and a final home game coming next Monday.
This Week’s Preview
Their first game Tuesday presents a major challenge.
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In the first two matchups against the 76ers, the outcomes weren’t victorious. On February 2, Miami fell 103-97 in a game where they saw Ben Simmons shine with 20 points and Joel Embiid with 17. They lost control in the second and third quarter defensively, that even a fourth quarter 37-point outbreak wasn’t enough to catch up.
Their second outing on February 14 pretty much displayed the same result with a slight twist. It was Miami this time that started hot in the first two quarters, with a great offensive boost from the bench. But they completely fell apart, being outscored in the second half 65-40. The worst part being that Embiid was sidelined that night.
Here’s hoping that the third time’s a charm though.
On paper, Miami has more weapons, especially in the post. Yet, they can’t slow down Philly’s transition game, especially with Ben Simmons running the point. Miami will welcome back Rodney McGruder in Tuesday’s game however, which should give the team a slight edge.
Thursday’s game on March 1, will be the first of two matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are currently riding a 25-34 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference. With so many recent changes among the Lakers locker room, they are also adjusting and haven’t had much luck. This should notch a game in the win column.
The Saturday and final game of the week is probably the toughest game yet of the home stand. A newly reinvigorated Detroit Pistons team, led by Blake Griffin, will be a hard test to handle. Miami is finishing up their final game between the two teams, trying to tie up their 1-2 record this season. The challenge here is finding a great balance to limit their post presence, which has been the dominant force in their chase for the playoffs. They are sitting in 9th, just two games behind Miami.
Expect this game to be a physical test for both teams.
This Week’s Challenges
Can Miami close out contested games?
Should Dwyane Wade continue to take last second shots?
How much of an impact will McGruder make?
Next: Miami Heat: Should Spoelstra embrace Adebayo-Whiteside lineups?
Here’s to no more overtime thrillers, leaving fans gasping for air.