The Miami Heat have started their season 1-1 with one blowout win and one tough loss. Things are looking good, but tonight’s game vs. the Orlando Magic could be a crucial one moving forward.
Although most fans wouldn’t think twice about a game against Orlando, this one might be different. It is their last relatively easy game for a long while.
To put it bluntly, the Magic are not built to be a very good basketball team right now. They are built for the future and, while that is a good thing, it means that they won’t win many games this season.
The Miami Heat could use a win vs. the Magic tonight before taking on 10 solid teams in a row
However, this game is particularly important because of how many quality teams the Heat play in a row after their game vs. Orlando. After this, they have 10 straight games against good NBA teams.
These are all teams who are going to be fighting to make the playoffs, and some who are aiming to win a championship. Miami is going to have to work very hard to maintain a great record throughout this stretch.
After Orlando, the Heat travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets, before then returning home to play the Hornets. The Hornets aren’t usually a team to be scared of, but so far this year they look phenomenal.
Next, the Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Celtics, all of whom are going to be in the playoff picture. None project to be Finals favorites, but those will be tough games nonetheless.
The Miami Heat then play the Jazz before taking a trip out west to take on the Nuggets, Lakers, Clippers, and then the Jazz. All four of those teams are looking to make serious noise in the West this year.
None of the teams they play in that stretch are going to go down without a fight. As good as the Miami Heat might be playing, they are going to have to bring their A-game against each and every one of those opponents.
That is why this game vs. the Magic is so crucial. If they lose vs. the Magic, that doesn’t put them in a very good head space before playing so many good teams in a row.
It’s important not to underestimate the Magic, either. Underestimating below-average teams is something that a lot of good teams do, and they end up regretting it almost instantly.
Getting a win tonight against Orlando would be huge before beginning a tough stretch. The Miami Heat need to go out there and earn a big-time win.