The Miami Heat are figuring things out, right on time

With only six games left this season, the Miami Heat are gearing up for a successful playoff run.

2017-18 has been filled with ups and downs for the Miami Heat. And not just in regards to performance on the court.

Between Dion Waiters being ruled out for the season and Dwyane Wade finding his way back to South Beach, it’s been a year full of surprises, ultimately resulting in a season marked by inconsistency.

While the team has given up ugly losses (120-95 to the Indiana Pacers), they have also fought hard for wins (90-89 over the Toronto Raptors).

However, it seems like things may finally be leveling out.

Currently 41-35, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference, the Heat are trending in the right direction. They’ve gone 9-6 in the month of March, including victories against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Washington Wizards and most recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers. And are close to officially clinching a playoff spot.

They have also won their last 11 of 12 at home (eight straight), a feat that proved difficult at the start of the year.

Now, things are still not perfect. For example, although Hassan Whiteside finally returned to play on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, he still has some work to do before he can fully contribute to the team in the way that he used to.

"“I forgot how fast it was in an NBA game, man,” he said. “Them guys were flying around. But it took me a while to get acclimated. My wind felt straight, it’s just them guys were moving around, it’s just getting back used to it, getting back into a rhythm of just making shots, just that aspect of it. I think I’m getting better at it because I haven’t played basketball in a while.”"

Unfortunately, Miami still hasn’t been able to shake off the injury bug either. On the same night of Whiteside’s return, Tyler Johnson tweaked his ankle.

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There’s also still the question of who exactly the team’s so-called closer should be. While head coach Erik Spoelstra has so far left that up to situational decisions, some have questioned whether it’s really a great idea to have the likes of James Johnson handling things, so late in the game.

Yet, Heat fans have to feel good about the team’s recent turnaround. Especially with how close the playoffs are. With just six regular season games left in Miami’s 2017-18 run, they’ve certainly found the perfect time to get it together.

And Wade’s homecoming has undoubtedly played a huge role in that, with guys like Justise Winslow really finding their rhythms.

Winslow is averaging 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 27.9 minutes a game this month, an increase from 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per matchup in February.

"“He’s been unbelievable,” teammate Kelly Olynyk said. “That’s the player that we know he is and he can be. But his ability to play at both ends and make things really tough on the defensive end, and literally do everything offensively… he’s kind of like whatever we need, he kind of fills that void.”"

Next: Why the Miami Heat are a first round playoff threat to top seeded teams

If the Miami Heat can keep up the good work, they’re sure to have a memorable playoff campaign.