Can Miami Heat fight off the New York teams to avoid play-in scenario?
By Noah Decker
The Miami Heat have gone through a tough stretch of basketball following the All-Star break. Although they have had some great wins against the 76ers and the Hawks, they have also had really bad losses against the Bucks and the 76ers, as well as a game they should have won against the Hornets.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks were on a nine-game winning streak prior to their latest slip-up against the Hornets. During this win streak, the Knicks defeated the Heat off of a Julius Randle game-winner despite excellent defense from Jimmy Butler.
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This win streak has helped the Knicks surge into fifth place in the East, giving them a huge lead over the Heat. The Miami Heat are currently in seventh place.
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, they could find themselves in the play-in games this season. Is it possible for them to avoid this position and move up in the standings though?
The answer is yes but they have little room for error. Every game is crucial now, so they cannot afford to play carelessly and lose games they should win.
Here are a few things the Heat can still do to avoid the play-in.