NBA Power Rankings: Are the Miami Heat the league's hottest team?

Few teams have been as hot as the Miami Heat over these last 10 games, but are they the hottest team in the NBA?

It’s a question worth asking, considering that the Heat are gearing up for another deep playoff run. It’s one thing to be playing great basketball, it’s another to be playing well enough to knock off the top teams in the league.

Here’s where the Heat, who are 8-2 over this last stretch, rank over the last 10 games:

• Fourth in net rating (plus-9.2)
• Eighth in offensive rating (116)
• Third in defensive rating (106.8)

Let’s dive into the stats, schedule and eye test to take a look at where the Heat stand among the hottest teams over the last 10 games.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are a smidge better in net rating than Miami (plus-10) over these last 10 games but the schedule hasn’t been as challenging. Three wins over the Charlotte Hornets over this stretch are inflating Milwaukee’s numbers, but the Bucks do have a statement win over the Nuggets on Feb. 12. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 28.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over the last 10 games, did as good a job as anyone guarding Nikola Jokic for pockets of that game – an important data point to keep in mind should these teams meet in June.

It seems like things are clicking for the Bucks under new coach Doc Rivers, especially on the defensive end, but we probably want to see more against stiffer competition before considering those issues fixed. The Bucks have games against the Clippers, Warriors and Lakers this week that should provide a clearer picture.