The Miami Heat’s play-in destiny has been signed, sealed and delivered for nearly one week. Though despite knowing who their opponent would be — the Charlotte Hornets — they did know where it would be entering Sunday’s regular season finale.
But as a result of the Hornets’ 110-96 win over the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat remained the No. 10 seed in the East, finishing the regular season. And their play-in game will be Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime.
With the Orlando Magic’s shocking loss to the shorthanded Boston Celtics, who were sitting most of their regulars, the 76ers moved into the No. 7 spot. And they cannot host a play-in game Tuesday due to a conflicting schedule with the Philadelphia Flyers’ (NHL) home finale, since the two teams share Wells Fargo Center.
How did Heat do against the Hornets this season?:
Miami became the third team in NBA History to appear in four play-in games, joining the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, who will also make their fourth appearance this week.
Among the three East play-in teams, the Heat had the most success against the Hornets. The Heat went 3-1 against their Southeast rival, including splitting the two games played in Charlotte. Miami went 2-1 against Philadelphia and a dismal 0-5 against the Orlando Magic.
Miami’s most recent game against the Hornets was a 136-106 Charlotte win, where the Heat shot just 40.4 percent from the floor and 7-of-36 from 3-point range. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 30 points and 13 assists, while Coby White and Kon Knueppel added 24 and 22 points, respectively.
Bam Adebayo nor Andrew Wiggins played in that game.
What are you looking forward to most between Miami and Charlotte?! Let us know in the comments!
***
This is a developing news story. Stay tuned for updates!
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Heat will have 13th best lottery odds ahead of 2026 NBA Draft
- How this Heat rookie ‘surprised’ many in organization
- Why this two-man combination was ‘challenging’ for Heat
- How the Miami Heat can move up to 12th in lottery race
- Norman Powell noncommittal on future with Heat
- Pelle Larsson reveals areas he wants to improve entering third season
- The 2026 offseason has arrived — now what?
In case anyone forgot, the 2027 first-round pick Miami traded to Charlotte is lottery-protected (top 14). If the Heat miss the playoffs in 2027, they will retain the lottery pick, and it becomes an unprotected 2028 first-round pick for the Hornets. In effect, if Miami tanks next season it can retain its 2027 lottery pick and convey its 2027 pick to Charlotte in 2027.
Miami Heat Draft Picks (2026-2031) Overview
2026: Heat 1st round pick (plus 2026 2nd round pick acquired via Charlotte)
2027: Heat 1st round pick (to Charlotte – lottery protected – top 14).
2028: Heat 1st round pick (to Charlotte – if 2027 pick is not conveyed)
2029: Heat 1st round pick
2030: Heat 1st round pick
2031: Heat 1st round pick
Posted about this but the problems with the idea for the Heat to tank are:
-The 2027 draft is viewed as a historically weak draft, worse than 2024, to the point that it could affect the valuation of 2027 first round picks in trades this offseason/next year. 2024 was also labeled a weak draft in advance, and that has proven true (there are always good rotation players in every draft, but Stephon Castle at #4 is the only player to show All-NBA upside from 2024. The top pick Zacch Riisacher is not in the Hawks rotation right now)
-If the Heat tank next year by trading everyone and are one of the worst teams in the league, how would they improve enough quickly the following year in 2028 to get out of the lottery and avoid sending Charlotte an unprotected pick that could be #1 overall?
So if the Heat decided to tank this offseason, they would be doing it for one of the worst drafts in many years in 2027, and would then be giving Charlotte what could be a top pick in 2028.
The goal is to rebuild as quickly as possible. Theoretically, with two lottery picks, one in 2026 and one after tanking in 2026-2027, a second rounder in 2026, plus any picks the Heat can pick up from trades, the team would be in a good position in 2027-2028 to make the play-ins and playoffs.
Thus the 2028 pick conveyed to Charlotte would be lower than the 2027 lottery pick Miami would keep by tanking in 2026-2027. It would also expedite the rebuilding process.
Between expiring contracts and trades, Miami should be able to reduce cap space, acquire young players with potentially high upsides and accumulate a few more first and second round draft picks.
Either that or gamble again on acquiring a ss. If that fails, Miami can always shoot for a fifth straight spot in the play,-ins.
If I could give you 10 thumbs up, I would. You hit the nail on the head! Even stripped down, a potential starting lineup of Ware, Bam, Jaquez, Pelle, and Mitchell would not be high scoring, but would be solid defense. That would potentially leave Kas, Gardner, Keshad, Dru, Jahmir, Jovic, first round pick, second round pick, plus 2 open spots to sign other players. Rozier off the books. That’s also assuming no trade for Giannis or other top tier player. There is no way on this beautiful blue planet that we would be bad enough for Charlotte to get the #1 pick. This team will not be that bad.
That team you just described might actually be close to that bad.
Listening to Tim Legler and national media on this matchup and it is interesting that the last game between CHA and MIA – the 30 point Charlotte win, but without Bam – is used as evidence of the talent gap between the two teams, but Miami’s win 11 days earlier at Charlotte is not mentioned. That game is the blueprint for this play in matchup.
Charlotte was 16-4 in their last 20 going into that game, had just beaten BOS by 29 on the road, came home and lost to Miami by 8.
Miami hit 18 3PM to Charlotte’s 19, kept the rebounding almost even, and won in the paint by +8.
Charlotte is far from a paper tiger – for one thing they lead the league in 3PM at 16.4 per game – but Miami can definitely win this game. Much better chances of a win here than in the Toronto games
The team that wins tomorrow has a clear path to playoffs through Sixers if (without Embiid) they lose vs Magic.
Would not be suprised to see Magic lose two, personally hoping for a MIA vs ORL rematch if Miami can get past Charlotte
With Embiid out, I don’t see Sixers beating Magic. If somehow they do and Heat does play Orlando in Orlando for the 8th seed, Miami could end up going 0-6 in one season (0-5 during season plus 0-1 in play-in round) against one team. That would be some kind of record, wouldn’t it?
Hoping for a win tomorrow and even with Charlotte being the heaviest favorite (-5.5) in all the play-in matchups I’d still give the Heat a good shot to win.
If the Heat lose, they are currently picking #13 with a 4.8% chance of a top 4 pick. They could move up to #12 and 7.1% chance, but that would require Phoenix to miss the playoffs by losing two games at home (where they are 25-16 this year). Think that is unlikely, although anything can happen in two games.
So if the Heat lose they are likely #13 with 4.8% chance at top 4. You have a better chance of betting on two numbers in roulette and hitting one than moving into the top 4 from #13. A team is almost 20-1 to move up from draft position #13. I don’t give the Heat much of any chance against DET or BOS, but they would be much better than a 20-1 shot to win a first round series.
I’m going to be honest and admit I want the draft pick more than to get the eighth seed because I think it’s better for us in the long run. But, anyone who wants to root your hearts out I support your inclination to do so. And, if it comes to pass that somehow we do end up meeting Detroit, I will be cheering along with you.
Absolutely!
Last year, RC and I, along with several other folks were hoping the team would not quit/tank to finish the season. After all the team had been through with the Butler fiasco, we wanted to see the team give everything they had and come up short so it could finally finish a season we all wanted to forget. Although we wanted the season to end so Miami could get a lottery pick and begin the process of rebuilding, we did not want to see the team and players intentionally quit/give up/tank. We did not expect them to win two games on the road to get to the playoffs.
Somehow, the team put together two good games and ended up as the 8th seed. I still recall the game Mitchell had against Atlanta. It was an exciting highlight of the season. For a minute, us Heat players and fans felt good about the team. Unfortunately, Miami went on to face first place Cleveland and was massacred in the most demoralizing series in Miami and NBA history. The team was outscored by 122 points in 4 games (an average of 30.5 points per game). It was very depressing, embarrassing and demoralizing to watch.
I’m not hoping for a repeat of last year’s first round demolition by the Eastern Conference’s best team. Hopefully, the guys will give everything they have and come up short, without getting embarrassed. The franchise can then get on with cleaning house, starting at the top, and beginning the process of restoring the Miami Heat to respectability. Meanwhile, I will be cheering them on and accepting the results, whatever they may be.
GO HEAT!!!
A lot more information has come in since last year. We know at least a little better where we stand now.
Here’s a few interesting prospects in this year’s draft.
First Rounders
Yaxel Lendeborg 23.7 Michigan 5Y-Sr. Forward
Michigan – HT: 6-9 – WT: 235 – WING: 7-4 – Sr -Yaxel is a stud who can do a bit of everything on the court. He’s an older prospect but is still fairly young in terms of basketball experience and his rate of improvement has been awesome. He just keeps getting better and better and rounding out his game.
PLAYER COMP: Kyle Kuzma, Obi Toppin
Labaron Philon Jr. 20.6 Alabama So.Combo Guard
Alabama – HT: 6-3 – WT: 175 – WING: 6-6 1/4 – So – A gamer who just knows how to play and brings a lot of intensity. A rangy and wiry athlete with decent size but will have to add strength. Excels at getting to the cup and has great touch around the rim and a creative layup package. Plays with great poise and looks to be in total control on the court.
PLAYER COMP: Tyrese Maxey lite
Karim López 19.2 NZ_Breakers Forward
NZ Breakers, NBL (Mexico) – HT: 6-8 – WT: 215 – WING: NA – Int.07 – A highly skilled forward with great ball skills and good size for a wing. Has broad shoulders and good strength and can hold his own inside and out. The best prospect in the history of Mexican basketball.
PLAYER COMP: Tristan da Silva
Hannes Steinbach 20.1 FR PF
Washington (Germany) – HT: 6-11 – WT: 248 – WING: 7-0 3/4 – Int.06 – A versatile big forward with good athleticism and movement skills. Impacts both ends, is a high level rebounder and a high energy player. Might not be a star but is a rock solid prospect with clear NBA traits.
PLAYER COMP: David Lee, Isaiah Hartenstein+
Chris Cenac Jr 19.4 FR PF/C
Houston – HT: 6-10 – WT: 233 – WING: 7-3 – Fr – A long and agile post player with a nice skill level and really good open court athleticism. Can face-up and take his man off the bounce or drain jumpers. Has great timing as a shot-blocker and can defend in space as well. Shows developing ball-handling and offensive play-making.
PLAYER COMP: Jaren Jackson Jr., Kel’el Ware
Patrick Ngongba II 20.4 Soph PF/C
Duke So. HT: 6’10 ½ WT “250 7’4” WING
Noted for his soft hands, high-level post footwork, and ability to finish with either hand, as detailed in this scouting report. He operates as a strong interior scorer, capable of punishing double-teams, and has shown flashes of being an effective passer from the post. He utilizes his size and 7’4″ wingspan to act as a rim protector and “drop coverage” big man and is an efficient, strong rebounder.
While his mobility has improved, scouts have noted a need to continue improving his lateral quickness to defend in space.
PLAYER COMP: Nic Claxton/Salti Aldama
Morez Johnson Jr 20.4 Michigan Soph PF
Michigan – HT: 6-9 – WT: 250 – WING: NA – So – A burly rebounding big man with good footwork in the paint. Gives good effort and his very productive on the boards and highly efficient with his scoring. Is starting to stretch the floor and show some upside on the offensive end. Probably won’t be a star in the NBA but seems to have a very clear path to success.
PLAYER COMP: beef stew
Second Rounders
Allen Graves 19.9 Santa Clara Fr. (RS) Forward 6’9″ 225
Flory Bidunga 21.1 Kansas So. Big 6’9 ½” 235
Motiejus Krivas 21.6 Arizona Jr. Big 7’2″ 260
Henri Veesaar 22.2 North Carolina Jr. (RS) Big 6’11 ¾” 225
Tarris Reed Jr. 22.9 UConn Sr.Big 6’10 ¾” 265
JT Toppin 21.0 Texas Tech Jr. Forward 6’8 ¼” 230
The first 2 you list are absolutely the ones i that are available and in that order. I believe both can make a real difference.
I hope Miami makes 2 good picks and maybe finds an undrafted player or two worth signing for Sioux Falls. A PF/C and a SG/SF would be good.
*I hope are…
question rc who would u rather have tyler or the thompson twins tyler or dillon brooks tyler or josh hart tyler or marcus smart tyler or norm
Amen for sure. Herro over Ausar, Smart. Not sure on the others.
Tyler or the piles?
The following excerpt is from auch. I hope it doesn’t go down that way. The potential draft picks available in the top 14 are pretty good.
Heat’s Play-In Tournament matchup and full schedule revealed
Heat have their work cut out for them.
If there’s any hope for Heat fans, it’s the fact that they’ve gone a combined 5-2 against the Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers this season. Assuming the Magic will beat the 76ers in the first Play-In Tournament matchup, the Heat may like their chances at advancing as the 8th seed if they can get by the Hornets.
Add in that the 76ers will be without Joel Embiid, and there’s a chance Miami could, once again, sneak its way into the playoffs. But, make no mistake, the Heat will certainly have their hands full in the Play-In Tournament.
I actually think they could win twice. And I think it would be bad for the team. We should end up with the #13 pick because in the full league standings, 11, 12, and 13 are all western conference teams and one of those has to make the playoffs.
I agree. See my post above about last year’s playin/playoff situation.
And, in the most unlikely case, GS beats Clippers, Portland beats Suns, and GS beats Suns. That would give us the 12 pick. It’s more likely we’d get 13. If the Heat win their way into the playoffs, I believe they will have the 15 pick. So, not a huge difference, but 13 is still better than 15. And I really would not enjoy seeing the Heat bounced out of the playoffs again, especially if it’s 4-1 or 4-0.
I agree.
Option A: Contune down same path
Option B: Try to bring in a ss without gutting the team. If unsuccessful, revert to Option A.
Some cities like Portland, Charlotte and Phoenix might be happy just getting into the Sweet 16. That isn’t good enough for Miami.
Option C:
If Miami had a fire sale and got rid of everyone over 25, the team could accumulate capital, assets and picks. The first year the Heat would very likely be a lottery team. The second year, after a few trades, free agent signings and draft picks (acquired in trades of +25 group, Miami might be able to make the play-ins and potentially the playoffs. By year 3 who knows.
The franchise needs to lose this game. They need a fresh start in the front office. They may need a fresh start with the coaching staff.
Given that’s what this franchise needs, I kind of expect them to win two games, just to get swept by the Pistons.
Limited draft capital, limited cap room, a soon to be overpaid, borderline star, just not much hope this franchise can get fixed without a major overhaul.
Should see Boston in the ECF. Let’s get it done boys
GO HEAT
What team have you been watching?
Fans like him and hfl are why this team is stuck in mediocrityland. They’re ok with the status quo of the team, bs we have enough heat culture they’ve ate it until they don’t know anything else. Team needs a complete overhaul top to bottom, front office coaching and roster. Make the playoffs and all that gets delayed another year and another and another
your not a fan.youve never answered my ? are u a fan 20 th time ive asked no answer yet.if u are a fan become a non fan please.
Okay, but in this case, that’s irrelevant. His position and mine last season turned out to be right. Making the playoffs was an embarrassing disaster. I may not agree that everyone needs to go, but I agree changes must be made and they need to get the best draft picks to help the team, as well as additional players.
this years team has a better bam.a much better jjj,norm .better ware is it enough to win it all no.pat did nothing at trade deadline when our competition was making moves.a fireable offense.u could have added derozan and some back up big to make u better..not one fn move did pat think he had enough for a ring
It’s a better team, I’ve said that all season. They should’ve done something at the trade deadline. They didn’t. I don’t see them going far. We’ll soon find out.
should have traded norm or tyler at deadline.im sure pat tried to trade one or the other but no takers.not sure what happened to norms game since asg but its been mediocre.he looked so good when we got him.maybe norm can become playoff norm.is he our new playoff jimmy.jjj needs to play 35 -40 so impressed with his play this year does playoff ware pick up his intesnity?is he a playoff jimmy.some guys hit another gear for playoffs maybe kelel does.i know bam and tyler dont have the playoff jimmy gene.who has that playoff jimmy in him?we shall find out tonight.
hes my brother i sold him on that zac
Or inhaling?
They say Heat has 15-20% chance of making the playoffs. Should’ve made it less than 5 lol
Im good Heat losing in the play-in but I’m not gonna bet against them
Interesting stat comparisons Jaquez vs Wiggins.
Wiggins:
30.3 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 47.5 FG%, 4.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2026-2027 SALARY: $30,169,644
Jaquez:
28.3 MPG,15.4 PPG, 50.7 FG%, 5.0 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2026-2027 SALARY: $5,939,141
u left out 3pr % on purpose or accidentally?adv wigg wigg better defender jjj better passer.wigg less than 3rebounds a game not good.two good rotational pieces.jjj will be a 25 mill player when contract is up.wigg needs to come down to about 15- or else c ya.we got a gardner and kj that will work for much cheaper and be just as effective.wigg really doesnt impact winning alot with his #s doesnt make people around him better.
I left it out intentionally. In this particular comparison, it doesn’t carry as much weight as ppg vs mpg, assists or salaries. My point was Jaquez is worth more than what he will be paid in 2026-2027 and Wiggins is probably worth less. Heat would be better off spending Wiggins’ salary elsewhere.
moneys even who would u rather have .id say because of age jjj.two good players both little below all star level
Exactly, because of the age difference, I’d also say Jaquez.
Someone else here has pointed out how you change your tune from one day to the next. You recently went through a period where you said several times we need to resign Wiggins. Now it’s Wiggins doesn’t impact winning. Will those other players you mentioned be just as effective? Keshad and Gardner at this stage? No way! And it is likely neither will be as good over time as Wiggins. Cheaper? Yes. Decent? I think it’s possible. As efficient? No. And there is no chance that Wiggins will be earning $15m. That is as unrealistic as you pushing last season that the Heat could do something in the playoffs, which you seem to be doing again. It is possible that they can win 2 play-in games and get in, but to what end? There is zero chance they can do much. Hmmm, what is that definition of insanity again?
stop the bs things change u had high hopes for jovic.u kept saying herros an all star.things change jjj was trash last year good this year.jovic was below average his whole career now trash.things change in heatland.bam had not much offense till this year mainly slams from unc.i was in shape until age 60.spo was a great coach with big 3 with bam and ty mediocre.things change in heat life .dont u relaize that
I realize you change with the weather, sometimes game to game. I take time with how I assess a player. If by some magic, Jovic turned into a decent rotation player (which is all I ever thought possible) you would be the first to jump on the bandwagon with wow wow wow. I’m okay with realistic criticism and observations. Suggesting other teams wouldn’t pay Bam the same amount, or that Wiggins should get $15m a year, or Herro will play only 15 minutes a game, or that the team will do anything in the playoffs are all unrealistic.
might be unrealitstic but u got others that are better for the team than ty when hesoff which is prob 1 out of 3 games he might be the worse player in nba taking into account his terrible d.i personally would not play him with his no d.my opinion aint changing
But you did change your mind not long ago when he had a couple of really good games, again saying what a great offensive player he was. You even got mad at Spo for taking him out. And while his d is poor, I showed you he is far from the worst. He actually is never the worst player in the league. I believe it would be best for him and the team if he is elsewhere next season. The team should start to figure things out, the sooner the better.
spobotic sub ty was on fire to start game dumbot does the auto sub ty sukd the rest of the game.when a guys playing good a lineups playing good as bto says let it ride.as styx says dont know what to do mr roboto
This Charlotte team is not the same team Miami beat earlier in the season.
one game anything can happen ,to have the game only on amazon prime is cutting out at least 1/2 your fan base.shame on u adam letting this sht happen.
It’s not about the fans any longer. It’s all about the Benjamin’s. The NBA and NFL, owners and players are cutting their own throats due to greed
Also here we go again fans want Mia to make the playoffs. Say we have a chance cause Detroit blah blah blah *insert whatever excuse they can muster as to why Mia can beat them*
Mia gets embarrassed no one who wanted them to make the playoffs will admit it was a mistake for them to make the playoffs. Mia drafts another Tyler Herro/bam/ware/jjj/niko/precious/kas
They make no impact and aren’t as good as players picked before them.
The position Mia would’ve picked had they missed the playoffs that team picks top 4 missing out on another blue chip player all for the sake of money nothing else.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat
prime amazon for a friggin basbetball game thats fn crazy .for boxing ufc ok btw the fights at the kasea center were awesome but for mainstream sports hard to believe its come to this.
Major sports teams will start losing fans because the greed of all the parties involved. Corporate America is totally oblivious/ insensitive to the effects their greed is having on the average American family and they could GAF. Corporations started raising prices during Covid and have been raising them ever since.
Many people turn to sports as a temporary distraction to escape from their everyday problems. Now, they are even being deprived of that simple pleasure because they can’t afford all the subscriptions required to pay to watch their favorite sports e.g., ESPN+, DAZN, Peacock, Paramount +, Amazon, etc., etc., etc.
im glad im a woodstock child not a cochella child
…or a burning man child. We were born at the right time.
i was molded by woodstock hendrix zeppelin its in my dna.aint changing .my freak flag i will carry to my grave
No Bam in that 136-106 loss. Heat without Bam are giving up 10 points every game on avg. Also no Wiggins in that one
In that loss CHA outscored the Heat by +30 from 3. Miami made only 7 threes.
In Miami’s road win vs CHA (also w/o Wiggins), Herro had probably the best game of his season. 33/9/9, including 8/10 from three and was a game high +19. No one on CHA could slow him down. And Miami kept the 3pt shooting close and rebounding close.
Charlotte is the talk of the league but far from unbeatable, Miami just showed how in March. Think CHA faces more pressure here than Miami also