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The Miami Heat Tip-Off, Week Three: A complete breakdown

By Ivan Mora

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The latest edition of the Miami Heat Tip-Off, a weekly AllUCanHeat column, is here.

Last week certainly didn’t work out in the Miami Heat’s favor.

With an already unfortunate, yet repetitive injury bug plaguing them, the Heat went 0-3 last week; something that brought down morale, after a hyped up fight against the Portland Trailblazers.

The Sacramento Kings surprised with a blowout win over the Heat, 123-112. Willie Cauley-Stein erupting for 26 points in 34 minutes of action, and adding 13 rebounds, added more insult to injury.

They followed that with their second loss to the Charlotte Hornets; their first meeting was a home loss in AmericanAirlines Arena, that came last week.

This time around, it was on their home turf, in an unmatched effort defensively, ending in an 125-113 defeat.

Tony Parker, former NBA Finals MVP, provided much-needed veteran presence, with 24 points and 11 assists for the night.

To make matters worse, what seemed like a tiny glimmer of hope, was immediately crushed with their last game of this past week resulting in yet another loss to the Atlanta Hawks; ultimately bringing their losing streak to three.

They lost 123-118, with Goran Dragic missing the game due to a foot injury and Hassan Whiteside being limited in minutes, as a precaution to an already existing knee injury as well.

They favored a smaller lineup towards the last quarter, after being outgunned 102 points after three quarters.

Obviously, the defense was a problem.

This week continues to be an uphill battle for the struggling Heat.

Upcoming Games:

Monday, November 5 versus the Detroit Pistons (Away)

Wednesday, November 7 versus the San Antonio Spurs (Home)

Friday, November 9 versus the Indiana Pacers (Home)

Saturday, November 10 versus the Washington Wizards (Home)

This Week’s Preview:

This week grants Miami the benefit of coming back home, something they desperately need after their 0-3 route.

It doesn’t start until Wednesday though, against a very formidable foe that has always given the Heat relentless difficulties defensively: the San Antonio Spurs.

Before jumping the gun a bit, their first stop is in Detroit against Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond.

After a hot start that saw Griffin tear it up for 50 points, including the game and-one winner, they have fallen into a similar slump as Miami.

They are on a four-game losing streak coming back home to face the Heat. They do however have a solid early start record at home of 3-1.

Expect this to be a closely contested matchup if Dragic and Whiteside are healthy enough to run the full game.

I predict a win out of their losing streak, to start the week on the right foot.

The rest of the week paints a different story.

The Spurs are fourth in the Western Conference with a 6-3 record, coming off a loss at home to the Orlando Magic.

Before that, they have been nearly unstoppable with DeMar DeRozan gladly making his aggressive claim for MVP candidacy.

So I don’t honestly expect much from the Heat, even if it is in Miami.

In fact, Miami’s last win against the Spurs came back in the LeBron James era, in January 2014.

That’s rough.

The back-to-back end of the week is also tough.

The Pacers, similar to the Spurs, are 7-3, riding an impressive 3 game winning streak. Oladipo had an impressive game-winner over the Boston Celtics last week.

(He is also submitting his MVP candidacy application.)

Unfortunately, back-to-back losses from the Spurs and Pacers could eventually be on the horizon.

They finish the week against a very disruptive 2-7 Wizards team.

I think that should bring their spirits back up in a gritty win, thus ending the week 2-2.

If they can upset either Indiana or San Antonio, I take that as a complete turnaround, compared to their breakdown last week.

This Week’s Challenges

What will come of Dragic and Whiteside’s injury bug?

Can Wayne Ellington bring back his 3-point spree?

What is up with the Heat’s defense?

Next. The Good, Bad and Miami Heat Culture: Defensive struggles. dark

Here’s to a new week, complete with brushing off the Heat’s horrible luck last week.

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