Mid-Season Report Card: Heat

After an injury-riddled and very disappointing start, Miami has found their footing, thanks to Jimmy G. Buckets. Reigning Eastern champs are back.

Return to form

Miami is back to what made them so dangerous in 2019-20, and group effort should prove to be essential if they want to repeat their postseason success. Spearheaded by Jimmy Butler's grit and kept together by Bam Adebayo and the Dragon, Miami looks to upset a higher seed once more. Milwaukee might just hope they don't meet again.

Between the Heat, Bucks, and Celtics, one of them probably will get eliminated in the first round, which is going to be disappointing considering each teams' hopes of last season. If Philly and Brooklyn remain atop the standings come May, one of these two teams would likely meet as the 4 and 5 seed and eliminate the other. Miami should like their chances.

Can Herro become more reliable?

Tyler Herro absolutely torched the Celtics last year in the ECF, but that variation of him seems to be few and far between this year. The Heat are fortunate to have lots of options offensively, but it would sure be nice if he could string together a streak of those types of performances.

Miami might be eyeing potential suitors for Herro at the deadline, along with rookie Precious Achiuwa as a young piece.

Oladipo

Houston's Victor Oladipo has been linked to the Heat in rumors, and he would be a great fit for the roster with his scoring ability. Luckily for Miami, if they really want him but don't wish to sell away other young pieces such as those aforementioned, they can wait until the summer when Oladipo can elect to become a free agent.

Deep Playoffs

Should the Heat advance to the second round they would most likely face the Sixers or the Nets, who will certainly be favored over the defending Eastern Conference champs. Brooklyn would surely light them up on the offensive end and make short work of them, but should they face Philly, the Heat would certainly like their odds. If they could wear out Embiid enough, it could be a series. That combined with the Sixers' tendency to flame out in the postseason is a serious thing to consider.

Grade:

B