The next potential matchup could make for very interesting television and everything else. It did about three decades ago.
New York Knicks
While New York is a considerable first round option for the Heat, a matchup between two franchises that highlighted a critical 90’s rivalry would be too unpredictable for Miami to consider. Julius Randle, the league’s top Most Improved Player candidate, is leading an extremely motivated Knicks team with a much-improved defense under Tom Thibodeau.
And as very few expected New York to compete at such a high level, they have absolutely nothing to lose and will be taking appropriate measures to halt teams from a deep postseason run.
Charlotte Hornets
With renowned motivation, the Hornets’ sensational rookie Point Guard, LaMelo Ball, returned to the lineup earlier in May after missing several weeks with a fractured wrist. While he was expected to miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season, the Hornets kept their resilience and remained a competitive and exciting team to watch heading into the playoffs.
Outside of their flashily characteristics, which contribute to nightly highlights, the Hornets greatest strength all season long has been their uncanny ability to play unselfishly and as a team.