Being an afterthought in the Eastern Conference for much of this season, the Miami Heat have a great opportunity to help change that narrative Friday night. With a win over the red-hot Charlotte Hornets, they'll be able to send a strong message to the rest of the conference.
One that says the Heat are a real threat, and one that needs to be taken seriously, heading into the final stretch before the NBA Playoffs.
The Heat may have missed their opportunities in a couple of big games last week (losing to the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers), but, if they're serious about emerging as a playoff threat, that can't be the case when they visit Charlotte.
The Heat have to show up in a big way Friday night
Facing off against the hottest team in the NBA, the Heat doesn't have much margin for error on the road, especially on the second night of a back-to-back. But, as head coach Erik Spoelstra said, the Heat have earned their right in this marquee matchup Friday night.
"I think we’ve earned the right these last three games to have a big game on the road tomorrow night."Erik Spoelstra
Miami has carried its weight of late, starting with a big win last weekend against the Houston Rockets. It sparked a three-game winning streak for the team. Sure, beating the Nets in back-to-back games may not be that impressive, but overall, the Heat does seem to be hitting its stride of late.
Heading into Friday's matchup against the Hornets, the Heat has won seven of its last 10 games. Perhaps most importantly, the Heat may have settled into a nice rhythm with its rotation.
If there's any time for the Heat to finally put their inconsistency struggles behind them, it's now. If they're going to round into a playoff threat, it has to click over these final few weeks of the season. Because with less than 20 games before the postseason, the Heat doesn't have much time to spare.
They know that.
The Hornets are in a league of their own right now
But that won't move the Hornets much. The hottest team in the league, Charlotte has won six games in a row and 17 of their last 20 games overall. Perhaps most impressively, the Hornets are coming off a statement win against the Boston Celtics earlier this week.
In that game, the Hornets didn't just beat the Celtics, they dominated them on their home floor.
Right now, the Hornets are playing the best basketball in the league. They currently have the look of a team that seems to be clicking at the right time. Miami is going to have its hands full against the Hornets, and it will be a true litmus test for this team.
If it's any consolation, the Heat does much of its best work when it's counted out, with its back against the wall. The question is, can they answer the call this time around?
The Heat have a great opportunity Friday night against the Hornets. Can they pull it off?