The Miami Heat’s regular season fate is all but decided in the East, barring something unforeseen.
Entering their penultimate regular season game at 36-44, the only way they would avoid the No. 10 seed in the East is winning both of their final two games (Pelicans, Wizards) AND either two losses from the Chicago Bulls (Washington, 76ers) or Atlanta Hawks (76ers, Magic).
However, there’s plenty of intrigue around the NBA that Heat fans should be following–specifically out West–with implications affecting the 2025 NBA Draft.
With Heat owning the Warriors’ 2025 pick, the next 72 hours could be pivotal to where it could fall:
As a result of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 141-125 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday night, five teams in the West–the Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, Grizzlies and Timberwolves–are within one game of each other. That doesn’t include the Los Angeles Lakers, sitting one game above the Nuggets and Clippers for the No. 3 seed.
Talk about walking on eggshells!
Miami factors into this with the Warriors’ 2025 top-10 protected pick.
If the season ended today, the Warriors would be the No. 6 seed in the West. The best Golden State can finish in the West is a No. 4 seed, but if they slip up in either of their final two games against Portland or the Clippers without much help elsewhere, they could fall into the play-in once again.
The only way the Heat could potentially have two lottery picks is flaming out in the play-in with Golden State losing both play-in games–should they make it. If they miss the play-in, Golden State’s pick can’t fall below No. 18 in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The higher Golden State’s pick is, the more it can help the Heat as it pertains to their flexibility with how they can maneuver throughout the board. They would have the flexibility to move up (depending on where their own pick falls), trade back to stack more assets, use one of those picks to trade into the 2026 NBA Draft or flip for a veteran star in their prime.
There are plenty of scenarios that time will tell! Buckle up, folks!
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Since the Heat practically can’t finish better than 10th in the east, but can improve their lottery odds by losing their last two games, it does make sense to rest their best players. There is no gain in winning in the remaining games, but there is potential gain in losing them. Plus it is only logical to avoid risking any injuries before the play in/play off. It’s an easy decision – rest the core players and finally give the G-leaguers enough play time.
And at the same time let’s hope for the best possible outcome in regards to the Warriors pick.
Absolutely. Rest the starters while attempting to maximize Miami’s draft position in the event the team misses the playoffs.
if terry would have been who we thought he would be i see us as a top 6 team or better.that gambling accusation had to effect his game.he was a borderline all star player his whole career
Scary Terry, Herro, Playoff Jimmy, Bam and Ware could have done damage with Mitchell, Burks and Johnson coming off the bench. What could have been.
And just imagine how much better that team would be when you remember they’ve got Duncan, too.
Prefer Burks. More consistent, better defender, 1/9th the salary.
What does salary matter? They’re both on the roster, it’s not like Miami spends *more* money when Duncan’s on the court. They pay him either way.
When it comes time to negotiate contracts, sure. But when we’re talking about who to play, it’s a silly thing to include in your argument.
your bball iq not very high .your prob smarter than me but not in bball.burks a better over all player when u factor 1/2 the game your on defense
You are correct that the salary doesn’t matter when they are on the court, though it is a legitimate long term issue. However, when Duncan isn’t hitting his shots, he becomes more of a liability due to his defense. He has grown as a passer and a cutter, but not as a defender.
I dont believe any coaches would play Burks over Drob when both are healthy. You’re saying Robinsons defense isn’t as good as Burks but look at how opponents are playing defense on both of them specially on playoffs. That’s also a salary factor specially if teammates can convert on that situation.
mitch wouldnt be with us but the bost/char terry with the above would have done some damage in the east.i believe jimmy went south when he saw what was around him and was tired of pulling their weight.
Figures that the newest hhh story is that they will be playing the starters 🫤. There is a difference between integrity and foolishness. That is foolishness.