A look at the Heat’s chances heading into the 2018 NBA playoffs

With but a few weeks left in the regular season and the Heat having cemented their place in the upcoming NBA post-season, fans of Miami’s pro basketball team are now looking to how the squad would fare. Just how good are the Heat this year, and can they go deep into the playoffs? 

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Though positioning in the Eastern Conference isn’t etched in stone at this point, it’s safe to say that the lower four teams in the now-finalized eight (the Pistons have been eliminated) are keen on avoiding Lebron’s Cavaliers in the first round. As of this writing, the Pacers are on fifth place, with the Heat, Wizards, and Bucks taking the sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. 

The win-loss records of these last three teams are very identical, and it makes perfect sense for their management to be watchful of Philadelphia’s campaign to rise to the third position (as of this writing, they just beat the Cavs to secure that spot). If the trend continues, Miami would be battling the 76ers in the first round. If the Heat fall to the eighth position, they’d have to deal with Boston. The Celtics also make sense as a viable opponent, as Kyrie is done for the year with second knee surgery. 

In any case, Miami should be very competitive if it gets to face either Philly or Boston. Whiteside has ironed out any perceived issue with Heat management, and Dragic is playing really well lately, boosted by the ball-handling help created by the return of Dwyane Wade. Though Miami will enter the first round, not as favorites, they might just be the dark horse in the East.

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Pedro Martin is a recognized force in South Florida’s real estate industry. He is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Terra Group. Outside real estate, he is a huge fan of the Miami Heat. Check out this website for more on his work.