News Category: Miami Heat

Heat look to set tone in opener of series vs. Celtics

The eighth-seeded Miami Heat will be in a familiar position when they go on the road to open their Eastern Conference first-round series against the top-seeded Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon. Miami also was the No. 8 seed last season, when it battled its way to NBA Finals. The Heat’s path included a seven-game series victory over Boston in the conference finals before they lost to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. Miami will

Without Jimmy Butler, Heat look to eliminate Bulls

Instead of counting on Jimmy Butler to lead the team into the postseason, the Miami Heat will be in full collective-effort mode when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in the loser-goes-home play-in game. Butler will sit out with a sprained MCL in his right knee that was sustained during Wednesday’s 105-104 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Butler underwent an MRI exam Thursday that determined the severity. It is possible that Butler

Joel Embiid’s status looms over Heat-76ers play-in game

The Philadelphia 76ers are a much better team with Joel Embiid in the lineup. While that’s hardly breaking news, there’s a noticeable difference in the way the 76ers play when the reigning NBA MVP is on the floor. Now, whether Embiid will be able to suit up on Wednesday in the NBA play-in round against the visiting Miami Heat remains to be seen. “Yeah, hopefully,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid’s availability, per the

Heat need to beat Raptors, get help to move up

The Miami Heat have a lot to play for on the final game of the regular season Sunday. Miami (45-36), hosting the Toronto Raptors for the second straight game, is still competing for a top-six berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Heat currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers. Teams finishing seventh through 10th will head to the play-in tournament. Miami coach Erik

Heat take Luka Doncic Test in visit from streaking Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat are locks to play past the end of the regular season on Sunday. Dallas (49-30) is in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Mavericks appear likely to avoid the play-in round, which is for teams in spots seven through 10 in the standings. Miami (44-35) is eighth in the Eastern Conference, and it looks like the Heat again are destined to compete in the play-in round. Dallas

Heat trying not to join Hawks in play-in round

The Miami Heat missed out on an important opportunity Sunday as their top-six playoff hopes took a huge hit. The Heat will attempt to rebound on Tuesday night when they visit the Atlanta Hawks, a club that already knows it will be part of the play-in tournament. Miami (43-35) is craving an automatic playoff berth in the Eastern Conference and had a chance to move into the sixth position on Sunday before falling 117-115 to

Tyler Herro, Heat set sights on Pacers

Tyler Herro is finally back, and that could make the Miami Heat extra dangerous. The Heat, who are set to visit the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in Indianapolis, are 43-34 — good enough for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Indiana (44-34) is in sixth place, just a half-game ahead of Miami. The top six teams in each conference are guaranteed a playoff berth. Teams seven through 10 have to go through the play-in round.

Heat hope for Tyler Herro’s return vs. Rockets

Maybe the road is what the Miami Heat need. Miami, which will visit the Houston Rockets on Friday night, is just 20-18 at home this season. The Heat, who are 22-16 on the road, are coming off a painful 109-105 home loss to the 76ers on Thursday. Philadelphia finished the game on a 15-3 run as Miami (42-34) scored just one field goal in the final eight minutes. In addition, Heat starting guard Terry Rozier

Sixers visit Heat in battle for playoff positioning

Joel Embiid gave the Philadelphia 76ers a jolt of energy when they needed it the most. Embiid returned from knee surgery to play his first game in nine weeks and produced 24 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals in a 109-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The Sixers (41-35) are likely headed for the play-in portion of the Eastern Conference playoffs but could still be dangerous if Embiid can regain

Knicks take aim at season sweep of Heat

The New York Knicks will be in search of a season sweep of the host Miami Heat when the postseason contenders meet Tuesday. The Knicks (44-30) got the best of the Heat in a pair of home games this season, 100-98 on Nov. 24 and 125-109 on Jan. 27 in the rematch. Miami (41-33) is in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and in possession of a spot in the play-in tournament with an eye