The biggest goal in regards to the NBA standings year in and year out is to get the highest possible seeding to gear up for a playoff run. Homecourt advantage is something that has been important in this league for years. Getting that advantage come playoff time could make all the difference in the world if a series gets to a Game 7.
Even if a series does not reach a Game 7, the homecourt is important for a lot of other scenarios. Getting the first two matchups in a playoff series for a team puts them in a better position to go up 2-0 and travel to the opposing team’s court with an advantage. If a team with homecourt goes up 2-0 and then travels to the other arena to drop both those games, there is that safety of being able to bounce back in a Game 5 and regain control.
But some teams are built to thrive whether they are at home or on the road. It’s time to take a look at the top road teams in the NBA. These rankings will showcase the league's best road records and where the Heat stand among them.
1. Boston Celtics; 19-9
The Boston Celtics aren’t just the holders of the league’s best road record, they are the holders of the best overall record in the NBA. They have a 26-3 record at home and a 19-9 record on the road, good for 45-12 overall. In their division, they sport an elite 14-1 record and 32-6 in the Eastern Conference.
Boston, on paper and on the court, is loaded. They have the best starting unit in the league and a serious balance from the starters and to the bench, with Al Horford being referred to as their “sixth starter." The Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis additions along with Derrick White’s development added a lot to a core that already features Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
With that being said, the Celtics haven’t been as good at home in the playoffs compared to the regular season over recent years. That’s why having the best road record in the league is important for a team that plays differently at home in a playoff atmosphere.