Miami Heat Roundtable: Laying Out The Final Record Predictions – Isiah’s Take
It’s quite simple. This Miami Heat team has become an NBA enigma and while the Eastern Conference standings are seemingly wide-open, they shouldn’t finish any lower than the fourth seed.
Isiah’s Take (@isiah_nba)
As the Heat appear to be defensively ahead on paper, their regular season success will be determined largely from their dependability — when it all matters most. Jimmy Butler remains the Heat’s top-star, as he’ll continue leading Miami on both ends.
This is as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have new levels to reach after a critical summer of individual growth. The second factor will be availability.
As Kyle Lowry turns 36 in April, are nights off a possibility for the veteran guard? Victor Oladipo is reportedly on a fast track to eventually return, but how will his playing time be monitored throughout the season?
In light of their absences, increased opportunities are due for Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, who took on critical roles over the summer. In a vacuum, the Heat shouldn’t have an issue with hovering around 50-wins, but plenty still needs to break their way to forcibly contend.
Record Prediction: 48-34
However, it’s no longer a matter of if, but when it can all fabricate in time. And when it does, a valid case materializes for the Heat organization to capture their fourth NBA title next June.