The Miami Heat look to end a road losing streak against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The last time Dwyane Wade donned a Miami Heat jersey in the playoffs, the team was saved by a tiebreaker.
Finishing 48-34, Miami won the third seed in the playoffs, giving them home court advantage that they’d nearly ride into the Eastern Conference Finals.
Two years later, and it’s starting to look like not even a tiebreaker can save the Heat.
Heading into Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami has been on a losing trend. Though the standings only read “L3”, Miami has dropped its last nine games on the road.
With 13 games left in the season, Miami has the potential to end on a high note – seven of those games come against teams under .500, who’d much rather add values to the loss column than electrify fans with a win.
The first hurdle however, might be Miami’s toughest. The Lakers, now 31-37, have been on a roll this last month, posting seven victories in their last 10 games.
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On March 1, the last time the Lakers and Heat met, Julius Randle bullied the Heat, dropping 25 points in 34 minutes. With an additional 29 from Isaiah Thomas, the loss illuminated how poorly equipped the Heat are to quell a team as fast paced as Los Angeles.
Unlike the last meeting, however, Miami is expected to be without Hassan Whiteside, Wade and potentially Josh Richardson. Their absences will be felt – With Whiteside and Wade on the court, Miami plays at its fastest pace. The Heat will need the added speed to keep up with the Lakers, the quickest team in the league.
Just as important, the loss of Richardson’s versatility will certainly hold Miami back. Richardson leads the heat with 2.5 deflections per game, indicative of his defensive tenacity and activity in the passing lanes.
"“[Richardson’s] versatility is something that we always valued,” coach Erik Spoelstra shared before Friday’s contest. He continued, “What you’re seeing is a player that’s been committed to developing his game and evolving and growing every single year.”"
Regardless of the outcome, the Lakers can provide Miami a chance for data collection heading into the season’s home stretch. All the teams ahead of in the standings Miami play at a faster pace, signaling the importance of the Heat’s defensive rotations and interrupting transition offense.
Next: Three takeaways from the Miami Heat’s loss to the Sacramento Kings
Miami’s all-in mentality will need to come to a head tonight in Los Angeles.