5 Biggest concerns about the Miami Heat’s playoff push

It’s been a tough few games for the Miami Heat, so the All U Can Heat staff got together to discuss what we’ve learned about this team and our biggest concerns about them as we approach the playoffs.

1. Miami’s new starting lineup isn’t working

Wes Goldberg: On Wednesday night, the Miami Heat achieved the incredible feat of playing a lineup together for more than 100 minutes for the first time this season. Incredible stuff just 65 games into the season. Of course, I’m being facetious. Most teams have several lineups that have logged at least 100 minutes together. The best teams, like Denver and Oklahoma City, have had lineups log 800 and 600 minutes together this season. 

That the Heat have only one lineup to crack 100 minutes together at this stage is a reflection of their near-constant injury issues. As much as that might not be their fault, it could still cost them. You’d like to know what your best player combinations are at this stage of the season.

That 100-minute lineup is the Heat’s place-holding starting group with Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic and Bam Adebayo (assuming that Tyler Herro returns to a starting role when he returns).

As much as an accomplishment as it may be, there’s a problem: That lineup is being out-scored by 6.7 points per 100 possessions. Teams’ most-used lineups are supposed to be, you know, good. That’s not the case here. With the Heat struggling and no clear timetable for Herro’s return, is another starting lineup change in order?