Can Miami Heat Stay Hot?: The Athletic Freaks Portion Of The Schedule
The first road bump I see in this schedule is New Orleans. Zion is an absolute freak and as much as I love Bam, Zion is just one of those dudes that really can’t be stopped athletically.
Butler will use a lot of his energy on the defensive end guarding Brandon Ingram because I don’t see anyone else besides Iggy having a chance. If those two young stars for the Pelicans can light it up, Miami will be challenged.
If Orlando still only has 8 players available, then I can’t see the Magic being too much of a threat. That’s the same with Cleveland, though I love what Collin Sexton has done this year, and although rookie Isaac Okoro is having a really nice rookie campaign, the Cavaliers have no business beating this Miami team.
Chicago is an interesting matchup for Miami and just because of the tear that Zach Lavine is currently on. Jimmy and company will have to really keep the clamps on him to make sure Lavine doesn’t will his Bulls to a win by himself.
Moving on to Memphis, I actually fear for Goran and Kendrick Nunn’s lives if they have to guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies could definitely beat Miami if the Heat are looking past them.